Retail sales showed an unexpected rise in August after higher sales of clothing and food, official figures revealed.

Despite widespread reports of wet weather washing out sales, the Office for National Statistics said volumes rose by 0.6 per cent between July and August.

Although retailers said the poor weather had an impact, the usual August downturn was slightly smaller than in previous years.

The surprise figures went against recent surveys, which had indicated a sharp slowdown and led analysts to forecast a second consecutive monthly fall.

The figure, which could increase the chance of another rise in interest rates, was mainly due to higher sales in clothing, food and department stores.

Sales of back-to-school items and the launch of new catalogues offset lower sales associated with the holiday season.

The total value of sales in August was estimated at £18.2 billion, 5.5 per cent higher than the same month last year. Sales of textiles, clothing and footwear were 3.7 per cent higher than the previous month.

Non-specialised stores - which include department stores - had a 3.3 per cent rise in sales, the largest rise since July 2002.

John Butler, economist at HSBC, said the figures showed consumers were still willing to spend. He said the figures made him more confident that there would be an interest rate rise in November, followed by two more early next year.

The Bank of England has raised rates five times since last November.

Emma Harrop, co-owner of Velvet, a chain of boutique gift shops in Brighton and Hove, said it had been a record summer for fabric sales. She said: "Whatever the weather, people still want to spend money - even if it's just to cheer themselves up.

"In terms of sales, we find the perfect weather is warm with light cloud cover and there's nothing wrong with a smattering of rain."

Friday September 17, 2004