Bradford-based Morrisons attracted record numbers of customers to its stores in the latest quarter, it was revealed today.

The supermarket chain, which boasts an 11.8 per cent share of the grocery market, said like-for-like sales were up 2.4 per cent in the 13 weeks to October 30.

It said it continued to grow ahead of the market, with total sales, excluding fuel, going up by 4.6 per cent, although the economic environment had remained challenging.

The company has opened ten new stores during the period, including its second convenience outlet, and says it is on track to meet its target of adding 600,000 sq ft of new space during the year.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “We remain cautious on the overall economic environment and will continue to manage the business accordingly.

“Our good performance in the third quarter was in line with our expectations and the board’s financial outlook for the year remains unchanged.”