Figures from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reveal that retail sales "grew strongly" in December and exceeded expectations for the first time since September, according to the monthly Distributive Trades Survey.

Food and drink sellers did best, while footwear and leather retailers, and furniture shops, also did well. However, booksellers and stationers, and clothing firms, were feeling the pinch.

John Longworth, of ASDA and the CBI, said:

"After a slow start in the run up to Christmas, sales are really beginning to build. In the first two weeks of December, retailers' sales volumes outshone their expectations, proving good things can come to those who wait.

"But consumers have again left it later to hit the shops before Christmas, perhaps due to the unseasonably warm weather and the timing of Christmas Day itself."