SCORCHING temperatures not normally experienced in East Lancashire have led to people spending more and town centre shops and supermarkets reaping the benefits.

Shelves have been emptied in the mad rush for all things cold and Asda in Colne sold out of barbecues and garden furniture as people decided to make the most of their days in the sun.

Paul Duffy, duty manager at Asda, said: "We have had a rush for all the things you would expect such as beer, barbecue food, drinks and ice cream.

"Everything in that sort of category has gone through the roof. Even on Sunday, when there were thunderstorms and rain, sales were in excess of a normal Sunday.

"We have been running out of supplies and it is getting more stock back in that's the problem because all Asdas will be running out of the same things. Barbecues and garden furniture sold out and we won't be getting any more of those in now."

It was not just the larger stores who experienced an upsurge in sales as town centre shops in Burnley became a hive of activity with people stocking up on everything from cans of cold drinks to fans.

Michelle Brown, owner of Oliver Twist Sandwich Deli, in St James Street, Burnley, said: "We've had dramatically increased sales during the warm weather.

"We've sold lots of drinks, ice creams and slush drinks. A lot of people have been buying salads as well."