The late-May heatwave offered a much-needed boost for retailers as the hot weather prompted red-hot spending on barbecues, fans and sandals.

The late-May heatwave offered a much-needed boost for retailers as the hot weather prompted red-hot spending on barbecues, fans and sandals.

Total UK retail sales increased by 3.7% year on year in May, well above the 12-month average of 2%, according to the BRC and KPMG.

The Met Office said temperatures are set to climb over the coming weekend in Britain and could hit the 30C barrier again, two weeks after a record-breaking heatwave.