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 and Spencer shares dropped eight per cent as the retailer revealed its Christmas trading update, which showed food sales growth of 8.7 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 28, with sales of its

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.