“There was some inflation during the period, as imported food prices were affected by lower sterling,” said Morrisons in a trading statement.

“Irrespective of these external pressures, we remain focussed on the journey towards a Morrisons price list and becoming more competitive for customers, and we introduced another wave of ‘Price Crunch’ lower prices just this week.

“We performed well throughout the quarter, especially during the key events of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.

“We continue to serve our customers better, with satisfaction levels again improved, shorter queues during the busiest periods such as Easter, and our new ordering system successfully introduced across more of our range.”

Morrisons said it further expanded its ‘Best’ range and introduced a healthy eating ‘Eat Smart’ range.

Its new Nutmeg clothing Womenswear offer was introduced into more than 50 stores, and the Nutmeg brand was extended into baby and child accessories.

Morrisons launched a new website, flowerworld.co.uk, offering a range of fresh bouquets for free next day delivery to customers anywhere in Britain, and introduced a new online and in-store ‘Food to Order’ offer for Spring-Summer allowing customers to pre-order for parties or other special events all year round.

It said “Morrisons at Amazon” continued to grow with same-day and one-hour delivery service recently extended into more London postcodes.