LONDON, Jan 2 Reuters The British arm of German retailer Lidl on Thursday reported a 7 rise in sales over the fourweek period before Christmas, with demand for holiday staples such as turkey and pigs in blankets pushing its turnover to a record high.

The company, which has 960 stores across the UK, said turnover exceeded 1 billion pounds 1.25 billion in the four weeks to Dec. 24 for the first time in its 30 years in Britain.

Lidl, Britain39;s sixth biggest supermarket chain, was the fastest growing bricksandmortar grocer in the year to endNovember, with sales up 6.6 yearonyear, research company Kantar said last month.

The company, owned by Germany39;s Schwarz retail group, said Dec. 23 marked its busiest day of the festive season, as it reported its most successful Christmas yet.

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Reporting by Muvija M, editing by Paul Sandle

Source Reuters