Tesco has reported an improvement in its sales over the last quarter.
As the supermarket giant gears up for the Christmas sales battle, its like-for-like sales excluding petrol grew by 2.8 per cent in the 13 weeks to November 28 - up on 2.7 per cent in the previous quarter. Total sales were up by 8.8 per cent.
Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said: "We are seeing improving customer confidence and encouraging trends in both the UK and our international businesses, although recessionary conditions still exist in a number of markets."
Tesco has slashed prices on its premium Finest range and launched a TV advertising campaign to tempt more shoppers and square up to upmarket retailers Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.
The figures come after the supermarket saw its first market share growth in almost two years in the 12 weeks to November 1, according to the latest TNS Worldpanel figures.
