Pub and brewery group Marston’s said today its investment plans should help it overcome the impact of the UK-wide smoking ban later in the year.

Retailers kept the FTSE 100 Index in forward gear today after a surprise rise in high street sales last month and upbeat results from B&Q owner Kingfisher.

London shares pushed into positive territory today as investors sought to prevent a third straight day of losses.

Expectations of another weak opening on Wall Street left share prices in London drifting today.