LONDON (Reuters) -British retail sales rose by a much stronger-than-expected 1.7% in January, the biggest increase since May last year, according to official data published on Friday that suggested consumers were happy to spend despite a weak outlook for the economy.

UK retailers enjoyed a much better January than expected, with sales showing a cautious return to form after a dismal golden quarter performance.

British retail sales rose in January for the first time since August and by much more than expected, according to official data that suggested consumers were happy to spend despite a weak outlook for the economy.