SHOPPERS queued outside Debenhams Bury from as early as 8am hoping to grab a bargain as struggling department chain collapsed.

Today marked the lifting of national lockdown restrictions and the first time shoppers could visit non-essential stores.

Many headed for The Rock, as the website couldn't cope with demand when a stock clearance sale was launched this morning.

Queues starting forming an hour before it opened.

Shoppers reported items being discounted by up to 80 per cent.

The store put in place social distancing measures as Bury entered Tier Three making this Christmas a very different shopping experience for customers.

The Rock would normally have outside Christmas food stalls, and the festive train running from one end of The Rock to the other for families to enjoy.

Bury will find out December 16 if it is to remain in Tier Three or be moved to Tier Two, giving people more freedom as the country continues to battle the pandemic.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, warned the collapse of the Arcadia Group and Debenhams in recent days threatens to “rip the heart out” of many high streets across the country.

He pressed Mr Johnson to act during their exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions today.