THE Midcounties Co-operative Food stores in Worcestershire has reported a 4.19 per cent increase in like-for-like sales over the Christmas period.

The member-owned organisation - which operates nine stores in the county - says the increase came during the three weeks until January 6.

The firm there was an increase despite two of the key trading days, Christmas Eve and News Year Eve, falling on a Sunday with shorter trading hours.

The UK’s largest independent Co-operative noted grocery sales were up six per cent from 2016, with advent calendars and tins proving especially popular.

Sales of the best of our counties range also increased by 33 per cent, compared to the previous year. Meanwhile £100 worth of products were donated daily to local foodbanks - with a total of £2,200 donated throughout December.

Phil Ponsonby, chief executive officer (trading) of The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “This year we’ve experienced another strong sales performance over the Christmas period, which reflects the growing popularity of our stores. Our product lines are going from strength to strength. Our hard-working colleagues did a fantastic job during the Christmas period to help achieve these results."