Chocolate maker Thorntons said like-for-like sales from its retail outlets rose by just 0.1 per cent in the 15 weeks to April 25 despite Easter and Valentine's Day.

Total sales in the division were down 5.4 per cent to £27.7 million during a period when five stores were closed, taking the total number to 243.

Its fast moving consumer goods division, which includes commercial sales to other retailers such as supermarkets, saw a decline of 6.7 per cent - which the group said was mainly due to reduced levels of orders from one customer.