Proposals to allow larger stores in England and Wales to open longer on Sundays were unveiled in the Budget by Chancellor George Osborne.

Currently in England and Wales, shops over 280 sq m can open on Sundays but only for six consecutive hours between 10:00 and 18:00, and must close on Easter Sunday and on Christmas Day.

The plans are designed to promote jobs and the economy, but there are also fears longer Sunday opening hours could harm smaller independent shops.

John Maguire reports.