SHOPPERS have hurried to the tills before lockdown restrictions come into play across England.

Following the Government announcement, which requires all non-essential retailers to close from Thursday, traders have experienced a surge in business with many people aiming to make a start of their Christmas shopping

On Monday, footfall for the Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle was 23,000 - only five per cent down on the same day in 2019.

David Jackson, commercial director, said: "It was busy. We were only a few per cent down on the same day last year, which is pretty good really.

"The change in business started on Friday when we were put into Tier 2. That panicked people and then rumours circulated about a full lockdown.

"Saturday and Sunday were busy and Monday continued that trend. [Today] will probably be even busier as the final day."

He continued: "There is a bit of panic mentality about trying to get as much done before lockdown, albeit we would hope to be open again on December 2, although there's no certainty about that and I think that's why people are panicking."

During lockdown, essential retailers will remain open and coffee shops and eateries will also be open for takeaways.

Mr Jackson is urging anyone people to shop local to support Cumbria's businesses when they can to help retailers try to secure their futures.

At Kingstown Retail Park, Smyths toy shop opened two days earlier than planned on Monday, with customers queuing to get in, and tech giant Currys PC World extended its opening hours - until 8pm in Carlisle - to deal with expected surge in demand.