Retail sales growth accelerated in the year to December, with volumes rising at the fastest pace since September 2015, according to the CBI's latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey.

The survey of 112 firms consisting of 53 retailers showed that sales volumes for the time of year were considered well above average, but growth is expected to slow somewhat in the year to January. Meanwhile, orders placed on suppliers rose at the fastest pace in over a year, but are expected to be broadly stable in January.