Marks and Spencer has said its group sales, excluding VAT, in the 13 weeks to December 31 were up 2.4% as it said it performed well in a challenging environment.

In a trading update, the company said that clothing sales were up 1.1%, but home sales were down 13.3%, mainly due to its decision to exit technology.

Food sales were up 4.5%, with M&S saying that the company's customers choosing to protect their spending on festive food, despite the pressure on their disposable incomes.

M&S reported an 8% rise in International sales, reflecting continued growth in the ''priority'' markets of India and Shanghai, as well as in its franchise business. It also reported ''a very good start'' to its newly opened flagship store in Paris.