Morrisons is the UK's fourth-largest supermarket group

Same-store sales excluding fuel jumped 9.5% at the firm in the six weeks to 6 January, compared with the same period a year earlier.

Morrisons said a successful advertising campaign had helped to attract four million extra customers, and that it was "delighted" with the performance.

Its trading update comes after Tesco saw its festive sales rise 3.1%, while Sainsbury's grew by 3.7%.

'Strong results'

Morrisons' total festive sales, which include the impact of new store openings, rose 11.6%, or by 13.6% including fuel.

These strong results are further evidence that our rigorous focus on freshness, service and value is striking a chord with shoppers Marc Bolland, Morrisons chief executive See Morrisons' share price

The UK's fourth-largest supermarket group, it said it was now confident its full-year profits would be at the top end of market expectations.

However, the company warned it was "cautious" about the general outlook for consumer spending.

"We welcomed significantly more customers to our stores, and they were well served with attractive offers and great fresh food," said Morrisons chief executive Marc Bolland.

"These strong results are further evidence that our rigorous focus on freshness, service and value is striking a chord with shoppers."

Its pre-Christmas advertising campaign was fronted by singer Lulu and football pundit Alan Hansen.