Christmas tills to ring up €20m an hour

CONSUMERS will spend over €20 million an hour today in a frenzy of last-minute Christmas shopping, it was predicted last night.

Total spending by families and individuals on food, drink and gifts during the festive season will top €4 billion, the Small Firms Association (SFA) said.

"The Christmas spend will go over €4bn," said SFA director Pat Delaney.