Thousands of shoppers were out and about in town centres across Sussex today and traders also reported a busy weekend and new year's eve.

People were out in force in Churchill Square today armed with carrier bags and boxes as some businesses slashed prices by up to 70 per cent to in a bid to attract buyers.

Simon Harker, 24, from Burgess Hill, was in Brighton with his girlfriend Emma Laine, 22.

He said: "I've picked up some decent tops and jeans. I had been going for some trainers as well but I haven't seen anything I like.

"I was going to come just after Christmas but it was just too packed. It's a bit better today but I think most of the best stuff is probably gone by now."

Emma, from Haywards Heath, said: "I'm not looking for anything in particular as I came down to keep Simon company but I have picked some bits and pieces like a jumper and trousers."

Nigel Henry, 39, from Portslade, said: "I've been into BHS as I'm looking for some bits and pieces for a new flat. It's certainly not as busy as I thought it would be. I suppose most of the sales have been going on for a few days now.

"I couldn't go out on boxing day or anything like that though, it would drive me mad."

Di Burgess, 46, a mother-of-two from Haywards Heath, said: "I was up in Crawley last week and it was manic so I decided to give Brighton a go today.

"I've found a couple of decent bargains but I think I've had enough now. I know a lot of people are buying stuff on the internet now which is probably a lot easier but I prefer to get out there and take a look for myself.

"The parking wasn't too bad today. I didn't have to wait for long."

Swan Walk shopping centre in Horsham has also reported a busy few days, with long queues forming outside stores over the weekend and new year's eve in particular.

The centre was relatively busy today but with several stores like Marks and Spencer staying closed, the number of visitors was down.

The Arndale Centre in Eastbourne and the County Mall at Crawley also reported a steady day's trading but felt the bulk of the buyers had already taken advantage of the sales between boxing day and new year's eve.

Traders in Worthing said the town had been "pretty busy" but not as packed as previous days.