Strong pound lures Brits to Christmas markets

Rise in sterling makes shopping trips to Russia, Hungary and Norway much cheaper than five years ago

A strong pound has made shopping cheaper for anyone flying away for a festive spree at the Christmas markets of St Petersburg, Prague and Budapest this year.

Sterling's rise against many other currencies has brought mixed blessings for the UK economy. Imported goods are cheaper but for exporters the stronger pound makes their products more expensive to overseas buyers, denting already fragile demand.