Network Rail has announced a record growth in station retail sales in the last three months of 2013.

Results showed an increase of 7.8 per cent from September to December. This outstripped the achievements of the country's high streets which only recorded a rise of 0.6 per cent. Transport officials claim the statistics showed the high level of investment in Britain's railway hubs are being rewarded.

The highest-performing station was Kings Cross, showing a rise of 26 per cent against the same period the year before. Other success stories were Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Street, which witnessed growth of 10.7 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively.

Commercial director of retail at Network Rail Hamish Kiernan commented: "Stations offer a vibrant and healthy trading environment and we are continuing to attract new brands to meet the needs of passengers."

The figures were compiled from the sales results of over 500,000 sq ft of retail space across 16 of the busiest rail hubs operated by Network Rail.