House of Fraser has proved to be one of the high street's winners over the vital Christmas trading period, reporting a 2.4 per cent rise in like-for-like sales in the five weeks to January 3.

That contrasts with a dull performance recorded last week by Next, the fashion chain, and a profit warning from DSG International, the electricals retailer. It comes amid predictions that Marks and Spencer will announce a fall in like-for-like sales over the festive period when it issues a trading statement tomorrow.