UK online sales have more than doubled since last year, according to Visa.

The credit card company says ecommerce sales rose 123 per cent in the first quarter of 2004, compared with the same period last year.

'More and more people are beginning to shop online and loyalty to online brands is increasing,' said Bernard Ovink, vice president of Visa EU.

'These retailers are becoming smarter at gaining individuals' share of the wallet, and making it easier for consumers to buy,' he said.

The retail market increased 103 per cent with sales of food and drink leading the growth, largely thanks to an increase in ordering groceries from supermarkets over the web.

Books and music sales grew 116 per cent, and the number of people paying utility bills over the internet increased four-fold.

Online travel agents also saw a 159 per cent jump in sales.

Visa says its UK customers spent £2.4bn online in the first quarter of the year.

Sales grew 166 per cent in Spain, 144 per cent in Italy, and 140 per cent in France.