Morrisons has seen interim total like-for-like sales jump 9.6% on the back of increased footfall and customer loyalty.

For the period to August 10 pre-tax profit rose 10.2% to £126.2m from £114.5m, while turnover increased by 14.8% to £2.5bn.

Total supermarket sales were up 16.6%.

Like-for-like food sales rose 9.2% including petrol, with home and leisure up 10.2% and off-licence sales ahead 7.6%.

Executive chairman Sir Ken Morrison said that tough market conditions would prevail as the first signs of inflation in food prices set in after a long period of deflation.

With regard to the takeover battle for Safeway Sir Ken said: “Anticipating the decision of the Competition Commission's enquiry into the Safeway bid is difficult, but I am confident that whatever the outcome we have the ability to prosper and extend our run of good results.”

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