Tesco is to provide customers with additional opening hours in the hustle and bustle leading up to final days of Christmas, allowing even more time to prepare and survive the festive holiday.

While the store will remain closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it will be open on New Years' Day for all those last minute top ups and first-foot gifts.

Prior to the New Year, Tesco will open from 8am to midnight this Saturday 22nd, from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday 23rd, and from midnight to 6pm on Christmas Eve. The store is open from 8am on Thursday 27th and then from 8am to 6pm on New Years' Eve. The store will open 11am to 5pm on New Years' Day and from 8am on Wednesday 2nd January.

Gary Mills, stores director for Tesco Northern Ireland said Christmas was an important event for everyone and finding time to carry out the many tasks that are involved in celebrating the festive season can put extra stress and strain on an already busy schedule.

"Working hours are rarely 9-5 teamed with the demands of family life, it can be difficult to fit shopping for Christmas food and presents into the working day. With Tesco stores opening later, we are not only providing an opportunity for our customers, but also for our staff who can now work more flexible hours, enabling them to fit in extra time with their families and wrapping those last minute presents.Customers are reminded that they must complete all transactions before 11.59pm.