Hundreds of bargain hunters queued from the early hours today as Next launched its summer sale at its Shropshire branches.

With the credit squeeze tightening its grip on household budgets, shoppers were eager to save.

The first in line took their places shortly after 3.30am ready for the 5am opening at the county’s four outlets.

The Next discounts are among the most eagerly awaited seasonal sales – and despite the economic gloom the excitement was at fever pitch.

Shops in Shrewsbury and Telford were packed with rail upon rail of cut-price clothing and home interiors which were quickly snapped up as staff raced to get more on the shelves.

First in and first out at Shrewsbury’s Meole Brace Retail Park store was Natalie Sherwood who was shopping for her nine-month-old baby and was delighted with her two bags full of bargains.

Father-to-be Paul Evans, from Priorslee, was among the shoppers at Telford’s Forge Retail Park and he was also hunting for baby clothes.

At Telford Shopping Centre Maggie Fisher, from St Georges, handed over more than £150 at the till but said she was thrilled with her haul of bargains.

“I have bought a dress, trousers, a handbag and two jumpers for myself while I have picked up lots of things for my two children Jack, eight and Lucy, six, including shoes,” Maggie said.

“If I had bought them at normal price I would have had to pay more than £300.”