The Office for National Statistics released its retail sales data for the U.K. on Thursday. Retail sales in the U.K. increased 1.2% in April, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a 0.7% decline in March. March's figure was revised down from a 0.5% fall.

It was the highest increase since November 2014.

The rise was driven by higher sales of clothing, textiles and footwear, which climbed by 5.2% in April.

The ONS noted that sales were supported by warmer than average weather.

Fuel sales increased 2.0% in April, while food sales fell 0.1% in April.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 4.7% in April, beating forecasts of 3.8% increase, after a 4.0% rise in March. March's figure was revised down from a 4.2% gain.