THE internet’s silent assault on traditional shopping continues apace as new figures reveal that online Christmas sales look set to increase by 10 per cent this year.

More consumers than ever are using the internet for their gift and food shopping, according to research from business advisory firm Deloitte.

And people in the North-west are most likely to spend online, with 22 per cent of consumers in the region planning to do most of their gift shopping over the internet — more than any other area in Britain.

Eighteen per cent of men say they are more likely to use the internet for their Christmas shopping, but only 13 per cent per cent of women will do the same.

Total online spend is estimated to reach £4.7 billion this year, up 10 per cent on 2007 (£4.2 billion).

Sharon Fraser, head of consumer business at Deloitte North-west, said: “Although our research shows that the overall number of consumers using the internet for Christmas shopping is stable, those people are using the internet more often and spending more online than ever before.”