And there was no sign of a shortage of cash in the town as queues formed and tills rang up sale after sale.

At Next in Kirkcaldy High Street bargain hunters have been out in force since the shop opened its doors for its sale at 7 a.m. on Boxing Day, and assistant manager Gillian McCormick said things were "going really well this year."

"We have smashed our targets and footfall has been excellent - people certainly still have money to spend," she said.

"Everything has been selling well, from knitwear and pyjamas to jewellery."

The story was the same at the Asda superstore on Mitchelston Industrial Estate, where store manager, Ian McMullan said things had been hectic from a few days before Christmas.

"We took more than five per cent above our target, although things were quite late in starting, with the 23rd and 24th particularly busy with people waiting for last minute bargains.

"We re-opened on Sunday with the sale in our George clothing and GM household departments, and the clothing sales are really strong, as well as music, video and games."

Mark Darragh, depute store manager of Debenhams reported a busy start to the Kirkcaldy store's sale.

"Because it fell over the weekend, a lot of people have been off work, so it has been really busy since Boxing Day," he said.

"Sunday was particularly busy with people coming in to spend their gift cards they got for Christmas.

"In the lead up to Christmas we saw a lot of sales in beauty products, make-up and perfumes, whereas as soon as the sale started it changed to womens and childrenswear."

Megan Young (14), from Dunfermline was out with friends spending her Christmas money.

"I bought a pair of shoes and some bits and pieces, there are some really good bargains," she said.

Nancy Gallagher (50), from Kirkcaldy was delighted with her diamonte evening purse she purchased in the Debenhams sale for £15, reduced from £50.

"I am just going to book a cruise so this will be lovely to take along with me," she explained.

"I was down on the first day of the Marks and Spencer sale and bought new boots for £15, reduced from £35 and shoes for £19, reduced from £40, so I am very pleased with my bargains."

Jean Burnett (67), from Cowdenbeath treated herself to some cardigans with money she got for Christmas.

"There are some good bargains, but I think people do just tend to spend in the sales for the sake of it," she said.

Corrie Dingwall (17), from Kirkcaldy said she had picked up some things she had her eye on before Christmas.
"I had seen some things which I bought today because they were in the sales," she said.
Brian Paterson (44), from Lochgelly was out at the sales with his two sons.
"I got a book I wanted which was half price in Waterstones," he said.

Son Ewan (17), bought himself new shoes with his Christmas money, while Calum (15), got two games for his Playstation which were reduced in the sales.

"They were half the price they usually are," he said.