TILLS were ringing around Huddersfield as people flocked into town for the last full shopping weekend before Christmas.

With just a week left to buy festive gifts for friends and family, the town centre was full of shoppers.

Parking space was in high demand all weekend and the streets were crowded and chaotic.

Even on Sunday, cars were queuing around the ring road waiting to get into car parks.

Heavy bags, the stress of shopping and crowded stores may have frayed the tempers of some shoppers.

But not everyone was soured by the seasonal shopping experience.

Jane Holland, 30, of Linthwaite, had come into town to buy last minute gifts.

She said: "I did most of my shopping earlier this month to avoid the Christmas rush, but there's always something you forget.

"So I had to come into town. But because my list is short I haven't been too stressed out."

David Hall, 40, of Meltham, said Christmas was the only time of year he enjoyed shopping.

He said: "It's busy and I don't usually like that when I'm shopping. But there's quite a festive atmosphere in town so I don't mind it too much."

There have been claims that internet shopping will kill off high street stores.

But local traders are not too worried.

Caroline Whittle, buying director for Peters department store on King Street, said they had been extremely busy.

She said: "You hear rumours about doom and gloom in the high street, but we haven't experienced it.

"It's been very busy, we had queues on Sunday morning when we opened. Our takings are up on last December.

"It is very unusual to get a full six days of trading in the run up to Christmas Day.

"Many people have finished work now so they have chance to shop during the week. We are hoping for a record year."