Tesco and M&S report strong Christmas sales

Retail giants Tesco and Marks & Spencer have both reported stronger-than-expected sales for the key Christmas trading season.

Tesco said UK like-for-like sales – which strip out the impact of new stores – rose up 6.8% over the six weeks to 6 January.

The supermarket giant also raised its profit forecast for the full year.

M&S also reported robust demand for the festive period, especially in its food business.

Sales rose 8.1% over the 13 weeks to 30 December.