MARKS & Spencer has revealed further evidence that it is turning itself around, as it reported a jump in sales for the past three months.

The group, which is recovering from a period of slumping sales and profits, said comparative sales for the 11 weeks to March 30 rose by 10.6 per cent against the same period last year.

Food sales were up 4.5 per cent while sales of clothing, footwear, gifts and home items shot 16.6 per cent ahead.

Chairman and chief executive Luc Vandevelde said: "I am delighted that our customers continue to react positively to the ongoing improvements we are making to the appeal of our clothing and to the store environment.

"More customers are visiting our stores, being tempted to buy and spending more with us."

The response to the chain's spring ranges of womenswear and menswear was particularly encouraging, he said, while food sales were also good.

Mr Vandevelde, who joined the firm early in 2000, said: "We are very pleased with our continued progress. We have started to regain some of the market share we have lost in recent years.

"We still have a long way to recover ground we have lost, but I am confident we will be able to secure our recovery."

M&S lost its way in the late 1990s when profits slumped. The group, which had previously seen profits top £1bn, has brought in new ranges and updated stores.

Mr Vandevelde said the new ranges included its Per Una collection designed by George Davies, of Asda fame, and its Perfect Basics collection, both of which were good sellers.

Sales were also helped by Easter falling early, and were boosted by promotions.

However, M&S said it was not assuming that consumer spending levels, driven by low interest rates and a strong housing market, would continue at the current rates.

The group, which has about an 11 per cent share of the UK clothing market, said its comparative clothing sales would become more challenging as the year progressed