THE rise of online shopping hasn’t hindered business in Burnley town centre this Christmas.

Bosses at Charter Walk said businesses had reported better trading than this time last year and that footfall had also seen an increase.

It came as late Christmas shoppers nationally were expected to spend £1.2 billion across the country this weekend on what was branded ‘Panic Saturday’.

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And East Lancashire was no exception with shoppers packing town centres to pick up last minute bargains.

Charter Walk manager Chris Gribben said: “I have been round speaking to traders and the feedback has been fantastic.

“A few of them said that the media frenzy around ‘Black Friday’ started the Christmas trading quite early and, while that provided a peak, it has been steady trading since and many are reporting they are above target.

“Footfall is marginally up on last year.

“Many of our core catchment are shopping locally this year, whereas people might have gone to Manchester in recent years.”

Darren Dee, from Burnley, was picking up some last minute bits of shopping and presents ahead of the big day.

He said: “We are in town for the last-minute food shop and some last-minute cards.

“My stepdaughter is also picking up some last-minute presents.

“It is all about the atmosphere for me, it is just nice being out at this time of year.

“Some people might complain about the rain but that doesn’t matter because it is Christmas.”

Worsthorne pensioner Margaret Townson said she had done all her shopping in good time but was getting ready to spend some time with her son.

She said: “I am just going for a coffee with my son and giving him his Christmas presents.

“I have got all my presents already as I try to buy them as and when throughout the year.”

Friends for of 20 years Jill Hepple, of Burnley, and Kimberley Holgate, of Fence, were also picking up a few last minute bargains.

Jill said: “We are just getting some last minute presents and bits and Kimberley has got some wrapping paper in the sale.

“There are loads of bargains on today and lots of things that are half price so it is a good day to come into town get some shopping done.”

Michael and Joyce Dobbs left Burnley 14 months ago to live on a canal barge near Nantwich but were in town for the day while visiting family.

Mr Dobbs said: “This is just a flying visit and my wife thought she would have a look at some clothes in Marks and Spencer. “It is not as bad, with lots of shops and plenty shoppers, as we thought it would be.”