The retail sector in August recorded sales growth of 6.2% year-on-year, according to the latest retail data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The new data found that the grocery sector achieved a 0.9% rise in sales on a three-month basis resulting in above average food sales of 0.3%.

The ONS attributed the uplift in sales to consumer celebrations or organised social gatherings as a result of Great Britain’s success at the Olympic Games in Brazil last month, while the warmer weather spells in August meant that more people enjoyed outdoor eating and entertaining opportunities.

The amount spent in the retail industry as a whole increased 4.1% compared to August 2015, and decreased 0.5% compared to July this year. Online shopping saw the highest growth rate in sales, up 18.5% last month compared to August 2015, and up 0.4% on July 2016.