Shoppers are expected to spend millions of euro today in the last Saturday before Christmas. Researchers have branded it as Panic Saturday.

In the UK, extra security staff have been drafted in following the angry scenes witnessed on Black Friday at the end of November.

The seven-day period before Christmas Day is predicted to see a 7% rise in spending on the same time last year.

Department stores are expecting to double their takings over the weekend.

Irish people will spend an average of €600 on presents, food and decorations this Christmas - according to a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU).

This includes an average of €180 on Santa presents.

The Christmas spend broke down as Dublin at €608, the rest of Leinster as €611 - while Munster sits at €592. Ulster will spend on average €590, and Connacht came in the cheapest with €578.

Some 71% of us think Irish people spend too much money around this time - but 60% say there is nothing better than a proper Irish Christmas.