Shoppers were going wild in the aisles at the Leicester Mercury's exclusive Christmas discount evening.

With 20% off every item in store at Fenwick last night, customers were queuing all the way down the street to get a piece of the action.

"I mean business" said one woman, one of the first of around 2,000 customers to be allowed through the doors at 5.30pm.

The tills were ringing throughout the night thanks to Mercury readers, who had to collect coupons in the paper to get their VIP invite.

A throng of shoppers filled the store, with people stocking up on bargain treats for themselves as well as festive goodies.

After a hectic night, many bag-laden customers took the time to relax with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Event veteran Pauline Glover, of Oadby, said: "I've been to this for about four years now and there's a great atmosphere.

"I like to buy luxury things here."

Friend Shirley Paramor, also from Oadby, said: "It's the first time I've been and it's wonderful.

"I've just had a mince pie and some mulled wine. It's great."

The invitation-only event saw shoppers receiving the 20% discount off everything, from top-quality clothing, jewellery and accessories to cosmetics, bedding and homeware.

The Mercury event has been running at Fenwick, in Market Street, in the city centre, for six years.

This year, for the second time, there will be two discount evenings, with the next event taking place on Thursday.

Fenwick store director David Illingworth hailed the opening night an "absolutely brilliant evening".

He said: "The queue was enormous. We'd already served 20 gallons of mulled wine and 450 mince pies just after 6pm.

"So many people have been waiting for this evening, and the majority have shopping lists.

"It's a time to get all the Christmas shopping done in one go. We're really looking forward to doing it again next week as well."

Leicester Mercury promotions coordinator Matt Sibson said: "We've had an absolutely fantastic response and we want to thank all the Leicester Mercury readers for attending.

"It's been a very successful night and it really helps get people in the Christmas spirit.

"There's another discount night next Thursday as well and we're sure that will be just as popular."

There are only a few spaces left for next week's event. Entry is by Leicester Mercury invitation only.

To order a back copy of the paper to obtain a ticket, call Matt Sibson on 0116 222 4711.