Bradford shoppers are defying the snow and sub-zero temperatures to allay fears of delayed internet orders, according to retailers.

The weekend was the last before Christmas and many stores which expected big crowds and ringing tills reported they were not disappointed.

Several retailers said customers were choosing to suffer the cold to grab last-minute gifts rather than risk postal delays caused by the weather.

The wintry weather had left businesses wondering just how brisk trade would be.

Research by Yorkshire Bank suggests 13 per cent of shoppers in Yorkshire plan to spend less than £100 on presents this year.

But Mirko Maric, security manager at Kirkgate Shopping Centre, said store managers were delighted with their busiest weekend in weeks.

“Shoppers are more cautious about going out when it’s like this but shop managers are saying they are seeing more people coming into stores because they are worried about items ordered over the internet being delivered in time,” he said.

Andrew Priestley, business partner of alternative goods shop CBGB’s in Westgate, said there were benefits to shopping for products on the high street.

“Internet shopping does affect us, especially when it snows, but there are benefits to actually feeling the quality of a product before you buy.

“Saturday has been busier than we expected because of the snow and I think they’ll be a mad rush on Thursday and Friday.”

Toy ‘R’ Us at Manningham Retail Park and Waterstone’s book shop in Hustlergate reported bumper sales.

Andy Brown, store manager of Waterstone’s, said: “We think because there’s been snow people have stayed in Bradford and shopped locally.

“From feedback, people are coming into the city centre instead of waiting for something that might not arrive by post.”

Nick Atkinson, assistant store manager of Toys ‘R’ Us, said Saturday was almost as busy as the shop’s grand opening in October. He said: “We’re starting to see the bigger bulk items selling because parents can’t hide the bigger toys for long!”

Paul Moss, proprietor of Fowler and Oldfield jewellers in Kirkgate, said he had promotions on to entice customers.

He said: “I don’t think the weather has helped business but we’ve got a sale on across the range to attract customers.”

Jamie Illingworth, president of Bingley Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said Bingley town centre was busy despite the weather and the market went ahead.

Bradford Council’s ‘All Wrapped Up For Christmas’ programme in Shipley saw street entertainment in the town centre on Saturday lunch time, including fire eater and juggler Dan Collins, and the local Salvation Army Brass Band and the Bradford Voices Community Choir performed Christmas carols. Free mince pies were served in the library.