Clothing and DIY boosted by sunny weather

Retail sales rose for the third month in a row in March as warmer weather helped boost demand for items such as clothing and DIY goods.

Sales volumes climbed 0.4% last month, the Office for National Statistics said, with the sunshine helping a variety of sectors.

However, the ONS said it was another poor month for food sales, particularly at supermarkets.

A separate survey of consumer confidence found sentiment in April fell to its lowest level since November 2023 as people faced rising bills and became more pessimistic about the prospects for the economy.