SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons yesterday announced a four per cent increase in sales in the past 15 weeks, and said it was looking to increase its portfolio of stores.

The group said it was planning to add eight stores to its portfolio of more than 360 nationwide, at locations including York.

At Morrisons' annual meeting yesterday, chairman Sir Ken Morrison said like-for-like sales grew by four per cent in the past 15 weeks, better than the 3.4 per cent seen in March, which the company said showed a "slow start" to its new financial year.

Sir Ken also said the group would follow the lead of Sainsbury's by ruling out a sale of its property portfolio, saying property ownership was important if Morrisons was to "remain competitive and deliver sustainable growth in the business".

Morrisons recently revealed details of a corporate re-branding, including a new M logo and a slogan to replace "more reasons to shop at Morrisons"