Brits shopping for clothes gave the high street a much-needed boost in August after a grim Spring.
Retail sales volumes were up 0.5 per cent last month, slightly better than analysts had anticipated.
Sunshine, the bank holiday weekend and a cut in interest rates were credited with encouraging people to spend.
However, volumes have still fallen over the past three months as consumers continue to struggle with the cost of living.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said clothing stores, butchers and bakers, and online shopping were among the strong performers last month.
