The extreme weather conditions that hit the UK in the run-up to Christmas have not prevented supermarket group Morrisons from posting an improved set of results for the six-week festive period.

Sales excluding fuel climbed by 3.1 per cent up to 2 January, while like-for-like sales rose by 1 per cent compared with the previous year, building on the growth achieved over the past four years.

Morrisons served an average of 2m more customers each week over the six-week period than it did five years ago, the group revealed, drawn by a Christmas offer that provided 'high quality food at outstanding value, supported by a strong service proposition'.

'This has been another good performance in a tough market,' said Morrisons chief executive officer Dalton Philips. 'At Christmas, when customers are even more focused on great quality food at outstanding value, the Morrisons differences really stand out.

'I'm very pleased with the way the whole business has risen to the twin challenges of a difficult consumer environment and a prolonged spell of adverse weather and really want to thank all our 130,000 colleagues for going above and beyond the call of duty again this year, to ensure we served our customers well during this critical time,' he added.

According to the group statement, board expectations for the full year remain unchanged, with the group saying that it remains well positioned to make progress while recognising that the UK economic climate will be challenging.

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