Frenzied Black Country shoppers splurge on last-minute deals

Hundreds tackled the High Street crowds yesterday - on so-called 'Frenzied Friday' - with retailers predicting that £726 million would be spent on presents in the final few days.

However, despite polls suggesting that struggling retailers could be about to suffer a drop in spending this year - it didn't stop revellers hitting Wolverhampton city centre.

Maxine and Alan Lawrence, from Bloxwich, were treating their 11-year-old granddaughter to some early gifts and picking up last minute wrapping essentials from Super Cards in the Wulfrun.

Mr Lawrence said: "It's busy but the crowds aren't as bad as what I thought they would be. We've mainly come out to get some last-minute things.

"We've got eight grandchildren so quite a big family to shop for.

"I think we're nearly ready but when you walk around the shops you always see something else you need before the big day."

Meanwhile, Vasil Misalko, aged 22, from Slovakia was spending Christmas in Wolverhampton and doing all his Christmas shopping yesterday.

He said: "I'm looking for presents for friends and family and plan to get it all done by the end of today."

Iain Ashbourne, from Wednesfield, who owns Batteries Not Included toy shop in Wolverhampton, added: "Everyone seems to be doing their shopping later and panic buying this year.

"We've been here for more than four years and we've really seen phenomenal takings this year - but it's hard work for all the retailers too."

Elsewhere, Tesco hailed yesterday as its busiest day of the year with more than 10 million customers visiting its stores across the UK - with around 15,000 customers being served per minute.

Savvy shoppers looking to bag a last minute Christmas bargain at Poundland will be able to get their hands on hundreds of products including decorations, toys and gift wrap for just 50p today as the store is set to halve the price of certain items.