Strong sales of party food and clothes ahead of the Diamond Jubilee helped struggling stores keep their heads above water in June.

Like-for-like sales rose 1.4% over the month, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), with the Jubilee sparking the strongest week for grocery sales since Easter.

But the rest of the month proved challenging as the wettest June on record kept shoppers at home and dented demand for barbecues and garden items, while even home improvement failed to gain a boost.

That meant, despite inflation, like-for-like sales over the first half of 2012 grew just 0.8% on the previous year, highlighting the strain on the sector amid the squeeze on incomes.

BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: "It was the bunting boost. June was saved by the feel-good lift of the Jubilee, showing how crucial these temporary factors are in our difficult trading conditions.

"Sadly, the soggy celebrations over the Jubilee weekend itself, which heralded the start of the wettest June on record, were followed by far weaker business for the rest of the month."

The Jubilee boosted sales of alcohol, crisps, cakes and dips, while the warm weather in the run-up to the event stimulated sales of summer fashion, such as shorts and dresses.

However, the boost proved short-lived and the fortunes of the high street reversed amid grim weather in the wake of Jubilee.

Women's clothing saw sales decline as shoppers cut back on non-essential spending although some were prompted to buy knitwear.