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Retail sales grew last month at their fastest pace since March, thanks partly to sunny weather late in the month.

Sales rose 1.2% on a like-for-like basis, which ignores new store openings, compared with June 2009, up from 0.8% in June, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said.

TV sales were buoyed by the World Cup, which coincided with the introduction of 3D technology in British stores.

DIY and leisure sales also did well in the bright weather.

Total sales, which include the effect of increased floorspace, were up 3.4% on last year, again the best result since March.

Shoppers were also attracted by early summer discounts.