Retail sales grew at their fastest rate in almost two years last month, driven by the Rugby World Cup and a shift in the timing of booked Bank Holiday revenues.

The British Retail Consortium/KPMG Sales Monitor said like-for-like sales lifted 2.6% compared to September last year, the fastest growth since January 2014. Total sales in the month rose 3.9% year-on-year.

But the report said the inclusion of the August Bank Holiday into September's data positively distorted the figures, with extra fashion, furniture and back-to-school sales.

The Rugby World Cup also saw more items such as beer and burgers sold last month, driving food and drink trading.

Also, sales in September were up against a weak comparative a year ago, which saw total sales fall 0.8%, the worst monthly performance of 2014.

British Retail Consortium director general Helen Dickinson said: "September was a bright month for retail, with the strongest sales performance since January of last year, excluding Easter distortions.

"However, sales growth was boosted by the August Bank Holiday, which fell in this period as opposed to August last year, shifting back-to-school sales into September, so such strong growth is likely to be overstated."

Total food sales edged up 0.2% over the three months to September, its best performance since July 2014, despite the supermarket price war gripping the industry.

Ms Dickinson added: "There was good news for food sales too, thanks in no small part to the Rugby World Cup."

David McCorquodale, head of retail, KPMG, said: "Fashion sales were given a particular boost in September with more autumnal weather encouraging shoppers to check out the new season ranges and last minute back-to-school purchases lifting sales of children's clothes and shoes.

"Home and furniture also benefited from the Bank Holiday timing as consumers took the opportunity to fit in a bit of redecorating."

He added: "Moving into the final quarter of 2015, retailers will be keeping a watchful eye on Christmas with the launch of festive campaigns starting to wet consumers' appetites and Black Friday expected to be big again."

Ms Dickinson said: "Retailers are seeing some improved consumer demand but they continue to operate in a very competitive environment. They are looking to Government to lighten the excessive tax burden they face."