UK consumer price inflation fell in March to 2.5%, the lowest rate in a year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

It fell from 2.7% in February after prices for clothing and footwear, in particular womenswear, rose at a slower rate compared to this time last year.

Alcohol and tobacco also helped ease inflation pressures.

ONS head of inflation Mike Hardie said the new autumn Budget means tobacco duty rises no longer appear in March.