Pubs run by brewery group Marston's reported strong Christmas sales as more families opted to take the strain out of festive entertaining.

The company's managed pubs enjoyed a 5.8% rise in like-for-like sales for the key three weeks to January 5, including a jump of 10% on Christmas Day.

Marston's chief executive Ralph Findlay said the company had been encouraged by the performance, although the impact of last week's snow meant like-for-like sales were 1.2% higher in the 16 weeks to Saturday.

Other pub groups have reported similar trends for the festive period, with Greene King posting record takings for Christmas Day.

Mr Findlay said he was confident of further progress, despite various external factors.

He added: "We expect economic pressures to continue to constrain consumer confidence, and see no evidence that the Government recognises the damage being caused to pubs by high taxation and over-regulation."

Marston's, which brews Pedigree and Hobgoblin, said profits at its tenanted and franchise pubs were estimated to be around 2% higher than last year in the 16 week period, while own-brewed beer volumes were 5% above a year ago.

The Press Association, photo by rebelrebelgz