CHRISTMAS Eve saw queues along Lavant Street and into Chapel Street as Petersfield residents really got into the festive mood.

Many were collecting ordered joints, pigs-in-blankets and other traditional Christmas meat items from Morgans Butchers in Lavant Street.

But a run on local food shops began soon after prime minister Boris Johnson reassured the country there would be no more Covid restrictions imposed over Christmas.

And by Christmas Eve, the frenetic and relentless shopping in the town centre supermarkets meant there were shortages. Tesco, Waitrose and M&S all ran out of Christmas cake, among other festive treats that were quickly in short supply. And as fast as the alcohol shelves were filled, they were emptied, especially the ’bubbly’ sections.