A combination of the economic downturn, an early Easter and poor weather meant April was the worst month on the high street since November 2005, according to the CBI.

The Distributives Trades Survey revealed that sales of house-related products such as DIY materials and electrical items fell from the same month last year, although those figures were boosted by the Easter bank holiday and better weather.

But the CBI warned that sales were expected to fall again in May, albeit at a slower rate than April.

"There is no doubt that consumers are tightening their belts as the mood about the economy and outlook worsens," said the CBI's chief economic advisor Ian McCafferty.