BLEARY-eyed Black Friday bargain hunters were given team talks before entering a store - the dos and don'ts being 'no abuse or violence' and 'enjoy yourselves'.

People braved the cold at the Tesco Extra store in Burnley, from early today which last year saw scenes of chaos as shoppers grappled with each other for electrical items at bargain prices. This year saw a more civilised situation.

One shopper in the Burnley store described last year as 'chaos', recalling how one woman allegedly even placed her baby on a TV so that no-one else could get their hands on it.

Another shopper said she and her partner planned to head to Argos following her shop in Tesco, having ordered a Playstation and four games online for £300. She estimated she had saved between £1,500 and £2,000 in the hours leading up to and during Black Friday.

She said: "I haven't been to sleep, I've been up all night shopping. I had the laptop, tablet and mobiles on looking for bargains. We are just greedy."

Another said he was coming to see "what the fuss was about".

He added: "I'm here for whatever catches my eye and if the price is right. My sister said that last year people were standing on each other. Some people got what they wanted, others got what they didn't want - a black eye."

Across the country, police were on hand and security barriers had been erected - but the predicted chaos of Black Friday failed to materialise as smaller crowds waited patiently to get a deal.

No-one, aside from journalists, turned up to Boots' flagship store on Oxford Street as its doors opened at midnight.

Elsewhere moderate crowds queued outside some Tesco Extra stores, which opened at 5am, some being offered mince pies as they waited in the rain and cold.

Last year's scenes of bargain-hunters wrestling over cut-price televisions were not repeated in the early hours, but the shoppers who did turn up were seen loading up their trollies with high-value items including TVs, coffee machines and hoovers.

Stores had taken extra precautions this year, after warnings from police that firms needed to ensure they had enough security staff on in case of any trouble.

The Mall Blackburn was ready for a 12-hour Black Friday bonanza with retailers offering up to 70 per cent off in store.

Doors will be open from 8am until 8pm and Blue Inc is setting the bar with up to 70 per cent off, with Superdrug offering savings of up to 65 per cent.

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “We are all ready to open the doors to one of the busiest shopping days of the year and we are delighted that so many retailers are taking part.

“As we are expecting lots of people we have extended our opening hours and increased staffing levels, including the security and Ask Me Point teams, to help manage the increased volume of shoppers.”

Deichmann, Greenwoods, River Island, Select, Top Shop, Top Man, Warren James, Ann Summers, New Look, BHS and WHSmith are all offering up to 50 per cent off selected lines.

USC have up to 30 per cent off selected brands and a £20 voucher for every £100 spent.

Some Tesco stores are changing opening hours today to give retail staff more time to prepare for the sales rush.

Tesco Extra stores, including those in Burnley and Accrington, will open at 5am on Black Friday — instead of the original midnight opening.

According to its website, Blackburn Tesco will remain open 24 hours as normal.

Boundary Mill in Colne has held a Black Friday Week since Monday.

The store has been open until midnight each day with discounts on a wide range of goods, particularly clothing.

Chris Gribben, of the Charter Walk centre, Burnley, has seen a change in discount trading.

He said: “Many stores anticipate a busier day today but I’ve noticed a widening out of the concept. Retailers are holding ‘Black Tag’ sales and are spreading discounting over more days and the weekend.”