IT was the end of an era for shoppers in Bridgwater this time in 2008 as high street giant Woolworths held its final ever sale.

Huge queues of shoppers braved the biting cold to get their hands on Christmas bargains.

The firm had been put into administration and opened to customers keen to take advantage of its biggest ever sale, with goods sold at up to 50 per cent off.

Demand for the cut-price goods was so high in the Eastover store that long queues developed through the day with some shoppers told to expect an hour-long wait.

Queuing punters told the Mercury staff struggled to cope with the crowds, so the main entrance was closed as the store manager allowed people in one at a time.

Bargain hunter Kim Bellinger, from Spaxton, said: “I’ve been quite lucky as I’ve only been waiting about five minutes. I want to have a look at some of the half-price offers in-store and it doesn’t bother me having to queue in the cold.”

Shopper Mary Woodward said: “I think it’s so sad what’s happening to Woolworths."