SHOPPERS in Golborne queued around the block for the launch of the annual Christmas Bonanza at Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s shop.

Bargain-hunters began queuing 45 minutes before the shop opened at 10am ready to pick up Christmas decorations, toys and gifts that volunteers at the High Street shop have been putting to one side in preparation for the annual event which this year raised £2,012 on the first day alone.

Queuing up was Sandra Hodson, aged 48, from Golborne. She said: “My mum and I always come because there’s so much great stuff.

“My mum comes to the shop every day as it is – and sometimes twice a day – because my Auntie Eileen died in the hospice. She’s also got 22 grandchildren so she comes in to get toys for them and has rooms full of stuff.

“The first day has been brilliant for the last five or six years, I’m looking for a doll for my daughter Lexi today but I’ll probably get something for all three of my daughters and my granddaughter from here.

“Last year I spent £40 and got absolutely loads – I took home three big sackfuls – I don’t know what I’d do without this shop.”

Retail assistant Barbara Holme said: “Local people know we have some great bargains in store so the first day of our Christmas Bonanza has become a big event.

“It was a manic day but the volunteers have been brilliant pitching in and we’ve raised a huge amount. We simply couldn’t do it without our wonderful volunteers and our supporters.”