More Britons than ever did their Christmas shopping online in December as almost one in five non-food purchases were made on the internet.

Retailers in the UK weathered the snowstorms that swept Britain last month after sales were boosted by shoppers tempted out with new year offers and promotions, figures showed today.

Fears over the future of JJB Sports intensified yesterday after the retailer said it had failed to secure the funds needed to overhaul its stores.