The outlet centre at Ashford has defied high street gloom by posting record "Twixmas" sales.

Shoppers flocked to McArthurGlen's Ashford Designer Outlet between Christmas and the New Year - dubbed Twixmas - lifting year-on-year sales by 21 per cent. Like-for-like turnover was up 27 per cent, with footfall rising by three per cent.

Bosses put the increase down to a rise in the number of shoppers receiving Christmas cash gifts and vouchers as a result of the pre-Christmas transport disruptions.

This meant families had to look for alternative gift ideas. Customers also wanted to beat the 2.5 per cent Vat rise on January 4.

Centre manager David Maddison said leading brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker, Gap, Next and Marks & Spencer all enjoyed exceptional sales.

"Sunday December 26, Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 were peak sales days across the centre, with stores employing additional staff to ensure visitors shopping experience went smoothly."

Henrik Madsen, managing director of UK and Northern Europe at McArthurGlen, added: "While the snow made pre-Christmas shopping difficult for some, our UK designer outlets reported a post Christmas rush, with sales reaching an all time high on Tuesday December 28 at 10 per cent ahead of the previous record day.

"Boxing Day was also strong despite it falling on a Sunday, with all outlets reporting a total sales increase of nine per cent compared to 2009."

The news comes after Bluewater posted record footfall figures for the same period.