Shop owners are being warned to remain cautious despite strong sales growth in April.

Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG showed like-for-like UK retail sales rose 5.6% last month compared to a 0.9% decline a year earlier.

Meanwhile total sales climbed 6.3%, reaching their highest level since Easter last took place in April in 2011.

Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, said: 'April's sales provided a brief period of respite for retailers following a relentless start to the year.

'However, much of the rise was driven by the timing of Easter and the growing inflationary pressures the sector is facing, rather than a sudden upswing in consumer confidence.'

Food sales were a main driver, increasing 2.4% on a like-for-like basis and 3.6% on a total basis in the three months to April.

Mr Martin said that while the figures seem to be good news for supermarkets, he warned they should be taken with a 'hefty pinch of salt' given that margins in the competitive grocery sector are still under significant pressure, making profitability an ongoing concern.

Supermarkets have started to increase their prices to help offset the pressure of rising import costs, resulting from the post-Brexit vote collapse of the pound.

That move has helped drive inflation to 2.3%. If price rises continue to outpace wage growth, experts say consumers are likely to become more cautious about spending, causing further pain for retailers.

'Looking ahead, retailers need to ensure that this month's boost doesn't lull them into a false sense of security. The retail landscape is changing fast and as such, agility and the ability to manage costs will remain critical,' Mr Martin said.