More shoppers turned to the international charity to find a bargain this Christmas

Oxfam’s retail outlets in Scotland banked more than £1.2m over the festive period.

Figures released by the charity for the eight weeks leading up to 23 December show a 1.4% rise on the same period last year, marking a five year high.

The international development organisation runs 45 shops across the country with the St Andrews branch witnessing the biggest growth in sales over the festive period, up 30% on 2016.

The charity said all of the money raised goes towards its work to fight poverty and injustice around the world.

Tom Richardson, operations manager for Scotland, said: “I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who’s supported Oxfam’s shops across Scotland over the Christmas period – our customers, volunteers and staff should all be proud of the money they’ve raised to help the world’s poorest people.

“We’re delighted by the healthy growth in sales despite snow in the run-up to the festive period.

“As well as raising vital funds, Oxfam’s shops are community hubs; vibrant spaces where people work, volunteer, donate, shop and interact.”

Oxfam said it has responded to 31 humanitarian emergencies in the last financial year, providing aid to 8.6 million people.