Tesco will tomorrow issue a trading statement to report third quarter sales and plans for its Finest brand.

Analysts are expecting 4% growth in the quarter, against weak competition and strong food price inflation. The group’s UK food sales are expected to show a 13.2% rise over the past 14 weeks.

Tesco will also reveal plans for its Finest brand, which is extending into the clothing arena, to include a range of polo shirts, trousers, shirts and leather jackets. Tesco has previously sold clothes under the more value-conscious Cherokee and Florence & Fred labels.

Meanwhile, one of the group’s Northumberland stores yesterday became the refuge for Jonny Wilkinson’s mother, as she became too nervous to watch England in the World Cup. A shop assistant at the vegetable counter made Mrs Wilkinson cry with joy as she told her the final score.

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