RETAIL sales have grown at their strongest pace for more than a year, a report has said.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said sales were improved in the year to February, with the highest growth since June 2012.

The figures, revealed in the CBI's latest quarterly distributive trades survey, said sales grew for the ninth consecutive month, with volumes across grocers, clothing, and furniture and carpet retailers high.

However, specialist food and drink retailers saw a fall in sales for a second consecutive month.

Employment fell compared to a year ago for the first time in a year, though bosses expect the working environment to improve in the next quarter.

Barry Williams, chairman of the CBI distributive trades survey panel and Asda chief merchandising officer for food, said: “The high streets have kicked on once again and there is growth across many sectors.

“Although we are by no means seeing a universally confident shopper, the positive indicators have perhaps given some people the urge to spend.

“Overall sales have been remarkably resilient in the face of disruption from the exceptional weather across the UK, which has badly affected families and businesses.”