Cheer is returning to UK high streets with news that retail sales are growing quickly and that growth will be sustained in the short term at least.

The CBI’s distributive trades survey, which takes into account evidence from 131 top retailers, showed sales jumping in April compared with March and that they were up year-on-year for the fifth successive month.

Grocers, footwear and DIY products all saw especially robust growth during the month, said the CBI.

Web-based retail sales also continued their seemingly unstoppable climb, with volumes hitting heights not seen since November 2012.

Barry Williams, Asda SVP and chief merchandising officer for food, said: “The high street has a spring in its step. It’s a welcome rebound from March, largely down to the later timing of Mother’s Day and Easter.

“This latest survey echoes the current drumbeat of positive economic news. The trick now is for this to become a consistent theme, and deliver much needed support to household spending and economic growth in the months ahead.”