Morrisons reports that its like-for-like sales fell over Christmas after four consecutive years of growth.

Across the group, for the 22 weeks to 5 January, Group sales excluding fuel were down 1.7%, and down 2.8% including fuel.

The supermarket chain says trading conditions remained challenging and the customer uncertainty of the last year was sustained. “Our basket of key Christmas items was once again very competitive, with most prices the same as or lower than last year. In fuel, our business was affected by a highly promotional market,” the company said.

David Potts, Chief Executive, added: “It was encouraging that during an unusually challenging period for sales, our execution was strong and our profitability robust, demonstrating the broad-based progress we have made during the turnaround.

“This was again down to the hard work of Morrisons exceptional team of food makers and shopkeepers. As always, we will take some learnings into the new year, and look forward to 2020 with a strong plan and solid foundations on which to continue to grow.”