Retail giant Marks and Spencer (M&S) on Thursday announced that its 13-week group sales during Christmas trading increased 5.6% from the previous year to £4.06 billion ($4.9 billion) with growth in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Britain's Marks & Spencer reported a better-than-expected 8.9% rise in like-for-like food sales and a 1.9% rise in clothing, home and beauty in the Christmas trading period, making it one of the best performers on the high street.

Marks & Spencer has revealed that sales records were broken across the business during the festive trading period.

Marks & Spencer Group Plc said sales records were broken this Christmas as shoppers stocked up on its festive food ranges and party clothes and knitwear.