SUPERMARKETS across the town are gearing-up for a last-minute sweep as shoppers fill their trolleys with Christmas food.

Late-night opening and more staff are some of the measures brought in to cope with an expected flood of festive customers.

Bosses say they've also been careful to order in enough supplies.

But 24-hour opening is not on the agenda as many stores opt out of the round-the-clock culture.

Tesco manager John Muncaster, of the Huddersfield store on Viaduct Street, said: "The decision was made that there was really no need for all-night shopping here this year.

"We were only getting about 15 customers overnight so the decision was made not to do it."

But he said the store had been busy and was expecting a last-minute dash.

It will be open from 6am to midnight until tomorrow, 6am to 5pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and re-open 9am until 6pm on Dec 27.

"It has been very busy and we are doing very well indeed," he said.

"Sales of Christmas confectionery, fresh turkeys and joints of beef have certainly been big.

"But we have put extra staffing in place and got some big orders so nobody should be disappointed."

Paul Loughran, service duty manager at Sainsbury's, Shorehead, said the store was also experiencing a busy week.

It is open from 7am to midnight until tomorrow, 7am to 6pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and will reopen 9am to 6pm December 27 and 28.

He said: "It is very busy and it is starting to get a little bit crazy now.

"We are seeing a big lift in sales and although we have already seen big sales in confectionery and alcohol, everybody is now switching to fresh foods as Christmas dated products go on display.

"But we are waiting for it and are fully prepared."

Asda store, Bradford Road, was also opting out of 24-hour opening this week, closing the store from midnight to 6am to re-stock.

Tesco in Brighouse is, however, is opening 24 hours before and after Christmas. It closes at 5pm on Christmas Eve, and is trading again at 9am on Monday, December 27, until 6pm. The petrol station closes at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and opens again on Sunday, December 26, at 9am. On Tuesday, the store opens at 8am and is open 24 hours until 6pm on New Year's Eve.