SCORES of parents and children have queued for up to five hours in a Southampton shopping centre to grab a bargain Build-A-Bear.

A queue has built up through Westquay and even stretched outside as parents desperately try to get their hands on a cheap stuffed toy.

It comes as Build-A-Bear announced a 'pay your age' promotion all day today.

Doors at Build a Bear workshop in Westquay opened at 8am today - to give families a chance to buy a teddy for the age of a child. 

It meant discounts of up to around £30 - but drew in more crowds than manager expected. 

A member of staff from the Westquay shop said they estimate to have had 2000 shoppers through the door today.

Now a sign at the end of the queue reads “the pay your age queue is closed due to capacity.”

Vouchers are being handed out to disappointed customers who can return from tomorrow until August 4 for £12 off any furry friend.

One member of staff said: “We knew it was going to be big but not this big.”

"We’ve still got plenty of stock but we can’t let any more people in due to health and safety.”

Kirsty Etherington, 26, had come from Locks Heath with two year old Sofia and said: “I’m not sure we’ll last five hours but I’ve brought lunch.”

Charmain, Stan and Henry Pilgrim were some of the first through the doors having left the house at 7.30am but didn’t leave the shop until midday.