UK retailers have enjoyed strong year-on-year growth in sales this month, according to a survey that yesterday provided some light amid the economic gloom.

And retailers predict a further sharp year-on-year rise in sales volumes in November.

Clothing stores and furniture and carpet retailers have traded strongly, the Confederation of British Industry survey showed.

In the survey, conducted between September 26 and October 17, 47% of retailers reported sales were up on the same month of last year, with only 17% saying they were lower.

The resultant net 30% reporting a year-on-year rise was a big improvement on the balance of 6% posting such an increase in the previous monthly survey.

A net 27% projected a year-on-year rise in sales volumes in November.

Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis, said: "It is great news that last month's sales growth has continued into October, at a much faster pace than expected, and that this momentum is expected to continue next month."