UK retail sales rose by 0.2% month-on-month in June as discounts and improving consumer confidence boosted sales, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Sales rose 2.2% year-on-year as discounts at department stores enticed shoppers to spend.

Revenue at non-specialist stores rose 3% month-on-month, their strongest rate of growth since March 2012. Food sales fell 0.1% by volume month-on-month in June while volumes at non-food stores rose 0.6%.

Weekly spending across retail rose to £6.9bn in June, up from £6.8bn the previous month.

PwC data showed average price discounts however are up to 59%, compared to 55% in 2012 and 2011 although the figures are still well below the 70% of 2009.

British Retail Consortium director general Helen Dickinson said: “Promotional activity has been strong and customers can find some great deals in the shops at the moment. As the good weather continues across the country, retailers will be hopeful that customers continue to take advantage of the offers that are available.”

Christine Cross, chief retail adviser to PwC, said: “ONS figures show a slight uplift for retail sales through June driven by warmer weather and goods sold on promotion. This has particularly boosted high street sales with department stores gaining from consumers ‘one stop shopping’ bargains across departments.

“Our figures support this as an on-going trend through July. This week showed that 85% of 100 high street retailers were on sale or advertising promotions in their shop window. This is comparable to the same time last year and 2011 - 86% and 85% respectively. It was 60% in 2010 and 80% was seen in 2009 in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

She added: “So sales are good, boosted by warm weather too - both retailers and consumers have reasons to celebrate.”