John Lewis is the latest retail giant to announce a big rise in online sales.

Online purchases went up by a huge 56% in the week ending January 9, when the UK was crippled by severe snow and ice.

Meanwhile the number of people shopping in John Lewis stores fell.

However the web sales boost brings the retailer’s overall sales figures to just 1.4% below those posted last year.

The retailer said sales at its 28 department stores and one John Lewis at home store were £53.8 million, down from £54.6 million in the same period last year.