SHOPPING centres around the region have reported strong Boxing Day sales, as thousands of people went on the search for bargains.

Hundreds of shoppers braved sub-zero temperatures to queue in the early hours to make sure they were first through the doors for the best deals.

The big draw for many was the Next sale, which started at 6am at most of the company’s outlets in the North East.

In Darlington, the Cornmill shopping centre reported busy crowds as soon as its doors opened at 10am.

Centre manager Susan Young said: “We always expect a busy Boxing Day as people try to grab themselves a bargain in the sales, however this year has been particularly hectic and the centre has been bustling.

“There’s been a steady flow of customers through the malls all day and many of our retailers have reported a busy day on the tills, which is very encouraging.

“With sales starting increasingly early we’ve had a strong December overall and we hope this trend continues throughout January.”

The Metro Centre, in Gateshead, also had a busy day, with many stores opening early to take advantage of the crowds drawn in by the Next sale.

Gavin Prior, general manager of intu Metrocentre, said: “For the first time we have advertised our Boxing Day Sales on television which helped increase awareness.

“Shoppers started queuing from 4am to be the first to take advantage of the Next sale, which started at 6am. Many retailers who opened from 7am also took advantage of those early bird shoppers.

“Boxing Day sales has seen growth year-on-year as savvy shoppers love to feel the success of getting those early bargains and today was no exception.”

Customers also flocked to Dalton Park, at Murton, near Peterlee, on the lookout for bargains.

Jerry Hatch, of Knight Frank, asset managers for Dalton Park, said he was pleased with the performance.

He said: “It’s certainly tough out there but we’re confident that our product, offers, new openings and seasonal events will ensure final quarter results will be strong.

“We’re also looking forward to an exciting 2014 with the start of our phase two leisure development which will significantly enhance our retail offer.”