Crowds of shoppers lined the high street before first light as major stores and retailers were expecting a bumper day in the Christmas sales.

Queues formed outside Harrods and on Oxford Street in central London as early as 6am for the bank holiday clearances.

Department stores John Lewis and Harrods opened their doors for the first time since Christmas after staying closed on Boxing Day, and were expecting a massive boost in trade.

Model Jerry Hall and her eldest daughter Lizzy Jagger officially launched the Harrods sale at the Knightsbridge store after arriving in a horse-drawn carriage.

The pair posed in the luxury department store's Shoe Boudoir as shoppers rushed to take advantage of the designer discounts. Mother and daughter both looked elegant in black outfits and trademark red lipstick, surrounded by a tower of gift boxes and shoes.

Shopping centres around the UK were also prepared for a busy day as the big freeze eased its grip on the country and tempted shoppers back on to the high street.

Tim Walley, general manager at the Bullring in Birmingham, said about 200,000 shoppers were expected to visit the shopping centre, while Glen Barkworth, general manager at the Arndale Centre in Manchester, said: "With VAT increasing in a few days' time the retailers are gearing themselves up to take advantage, they have purchased in bulk and the public are willing to buy."

Brent Cross shopping centre in north-west London broke its third record in a week on Monday with shoppers spending £10,000 a minute in the post-Christmas sales.

Monday was set to be the busiest day of the year, topping Sunday when shoppers spent £7,000 a minute.

More than 50,000 people had passed through the doors of Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, Kent, by 11am, while more than 90,000 people were expected at WestQuay shopping centre in Southampton.