HUNDREDS of people flocked to Woolworths' closing down sale this morning.

The store was offering up to 50% off all its products in an attempt to clear stock.

The shelves of the High Wycombe store were quickly stripped of their goods by shoppers looking for a bargain.

Within half and hour of opening the store was heaving and queues for the checkouts has reached the back of the store.

Lousia Locke from Lacey Green said: “I've just walked in and walked straight back out again, I just can't be bothered. My time is more precious than money.”

Only three tills were open at the beginning of the sale but others were quickly opened once queuing time had reached over twenty minutes.

The majority of people heading into the store after half past nine saw the queue and quickly left, whilst those set to hunt down a bargain fought their way through the chaos.

“It's going to be really sad to see it go, I've lived here since I was seven. I usually pop in but I'm not queuing up it there” said Mrs Slade from High Wycombe “If I had an hour to kill this morning I would have probably gone in and had a look. Woolworths has always been the centre of a town.” said Marc Aylott, 47, from Bourne End. “It's a tragedy to see it go.”

The atmosphere on the street was one of sadness as the reality of Woolworths leaving Wycombe High Street hit home.

Mr and Mrs Tomlison from Prestwood said, “We’re going to be very sad to see it go. We've lived round here for 35 years and it used to be an enjoyment to walk here but Eden has taken everything away from the High Street.”

Yet some expressed that perhaps the store leaving High Wycombe would be a good thing.

“It's a good idea that they're going, if they can't compete get rid of them.” said a man who did not want to give his name.

Rob Wagg 28, from High Wycombe said “They are trying to compete with Wilkinson and Supermarkets by selling cheap things, the problem is that they are still more expensive than the stores they are competing against “We need something that will benefit the area, such as nice bars and restaurants” he added.

The High Street has become more and more empty since the opening of new shopping centre Eden but it is hoped that it will be full of life once more in the near future.

The store which is located on the High Street under the iconic Red Lion, the former 'The Red Lion Hotel', moved to the site in 1969.

Woolworths was due to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.