Hundreds of pensioners flocked to Trago in Falmouth on Monday morning to collect their £3 Christmas cash as part of the store's annual giveaway.

The long-standing event, known as Pounds Day was begun by Trago founder Mike Robertson, and has been the traditional launch of the discount retailer’s Pensioners Week for many years.

Craig Lawry, store manager at Falmouth, together with senior managers at the store, handed out more than £1,650 in cash from 9.30am until 1pm.

Staff at the store entered into the spirit of the occasion, with many wearing fancy dress.

Mr Lawry said: “Pensioners’ Pounds Day is always a special time at Trago – it gives us the chance to meet our customers and wish them Merry Christmas. Many of them have been shopping here for years. “There is a lot of competition amongst the staff to see who is wearing the best fancy dress costume, so it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

Pensioners’ Week is running at all three Trago stores until Friday, and upon showing their ID they will be able to get a 20 per cent discount off up to £30 spent in most departments.

Bruce Robertson, chairman and owner of Trago, said: “This is the one of the most enjoyable events in the Trago calendar and it’s made even better by the thousands of customers who come along to our stores - not just to collect their gift but also to say hello. It’s always good to see so many familiar faces. “Christmas can be a very expensive time of year for our senior customers, who often find purses and wallets a bit squeezed – we feel it’s important to do our bit to help.”