Sales at railway station shops were up by 2.3 per cent over the Christmas period, according to Network Rail.

The firm said the results from its managed stations confirm passengers' need for convenience shopping when commuting, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Network Rail recorded more than £93.8 million in sales in the six weeks leading up to Christmas.

There was also a one per cent increase in retail footfall, comparing to the latest figures which show that overall UK retail footfall was down by 2.6 per cent.

The company said that while some of its retailers had been affected by the wider issues affecting retail, convenience is the key and station retail continues to outperform the high street.

900 million passengers a year use Network Rail's stations.