High street sales last month were "considerably stronger" than expected, dampening hopes of an April interest rate cut, it has emerged.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed sales volumes in February jumped 0.6 per cent month-on-month, way ahead of economists predictions of around the 0.2 per cent mark.

Year-on-year figures, at 5.8 per cent, also came in above expectations of around 4.9 per cent.

Analysts had expected the month-on-month sales figures to have slowed in February, following a strong burst of spending over Christmas.

ONS said the sales were boosted by stronger growth from larger stores, including supermarkets.

It added, the timing of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease meant there had been no noticeable effect on the February figures.

Philip Shaw, economist at Investec, said: "Quite clearly, while the US economy is slowing it is not yet having an impact on UK consumers."

He said the figures were "considerably stronger than our expectations" and added they may throw a possible rate cut for April into doubt.