UK retail sales down 1.4% in May

UK shops saw sales drop by 1.4% in May, a much bigger drop than was predicted, according to official figures.

In April, sales had risen by 1.1%, a boost analysts say was helped by warm weather, a run of bank holidays and the royal wedding.

They also say May's figures show consumers cutting back again because of the tough economic climate, rising fuel prices and job uncertainty.

Hugh Pym reports.