Retail sales in London were 13% higher in November than the same month last year, according to data released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

"These are great figures and show that London retailers have enjoyed a very encouraging start to Christmas,"| said Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC.

The BRC have said that unseasonably mild weather, together with several special sales events and widespread discounts and sterling's weakness attracting overseas visitors attracted shoppers into the capital.