A FATHER and son are so determined to be first through the doors of the new Sony store, they are camping out on the pavement for three days.

Adam and Stephen Hegarty first took up residence outside the store at the junction of Swinegate and Church Street at 8.45am on Bank Holiday Monday.

The pair, from Badger Hill, York, intend to still be there when the doors open tomorrow so they can get huge discounts on a 40-inch television and a 160 GB laptop computer.

They spend the time watching the world go by – and in Adam’s case, getting in some extra study to help him in his course at the University of York.

“Everyone goes past here, shoppers, taxis,” said the 20-year-old third-year undergraduate, looking up from his 200-page organic chemistry text. “I think I’ve got enough time to finish it. I couldn’t do this in term time.”

He needs a laptop computer for his studies and is hoping to pay £99 for one with a standard price of £549.

Father Stephen, 59, contemplates the programmes he will be able to watch on the huge television during his early retirement. He hopes to get it for £99 compared with its £849 list price. Both have equipped themselves to deal with any inclement weather during their wait. Adam is using a sleeping bag and the clothing he used for mountaineering in Scotland, Stephen has extra sweaters.

When it opens after a £250,000 refit, the Sony Centre will employ six staff and the shop floor will occupy 1,600 sq ft on the site of the former Wine Rack store.