Booths, the independent Northern food and drink retailer, has reported strong sales over the festive period.

Like-for-like retail sales were up by 8.7 per cent over the key three-week trading period ending on January 6.

The company, which has a number of locations across Cumbria, saw a record seven-day Christmas Week sales level, rising by 8.3 per cent compared to the previous year.

The specific Christmas weeks were supported by a sales growth of 6.3 per cent in the 12 weeks before Christmas.

The year in year growth is attributed to higher customer numbers and overall basket spend.

Key drivers of sales included the Booths Christmas Book, a collection of festive food and drink inspiration, recipes, and entertaining tips.

Managing Director Nigel Murray said: "Everyone at Booths, alongside our supplier partners, has contributed to delivering a great Christmas for our customers and this is reflected in a set of strong trading results.

"We strive to deliver the very best food and drink for our customers, and we can be extremely proud of what we achieved this year. The quality of our offer was the best yet and as ever was served up with the warmest of Northern welcomes.”

Sales of traditional British Christmas fare also saw substantial increases.

Turkey and poultry sales rose by 10.6 per cent, Christmas Bakery lines by 21 per cent, and Booths' traditional mince pies by 16 per cent.

Other popular food offerings included smoked salmon and Booths Pigs in Blankets, which saw sales increases of 34 per cent and 9.7 per cent respectively.

English wines continued to find favour with shoppers, with E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd. English Sparkling Wine sales up by 46 per cent, and E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd. Prosecco sales increasing by 20 per cent.

It wasn't just food for Christmas Day that saw increases, with customers enjoying shopping and eating at Booths in the run up.

Festive Christmas Baguette sales saw a 28 per cent increase and overall café sales rose by 37 per cent, bolstered by the new Café 1847 concept launched in two stores last year.