Many online retailers are starting their Boxing Day sales as early as Christmas Eve this year.

With Christmas day predicted to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year for web based stores, businesses are hoping to cash in early.

John Lewis, Halfords and Comet are just some of the big names slashing their prices on the web before Santa’s had a chance to do his rounds.

It gives internet shoppers a 36 hour start over those opting to brave the high street.

The Internet Media Retail Group (IMRG) predicts 4.5 million of us will log on and spend around £120 million on Christmas Day alone.