SHARES in supermarket giant Wm Morrison have dropped by nearly six per cent after like for like sales dropped by 2.6 per cent in the third quarter, exluding fuel.

The sales fall highlights the continuing challenge faced by Morrisons as it executes its turnaround plan.

However the company said it was improving the shopping trip to its stores and serving its customers better.

It also flagged continuing progress in bringing down debt. It now expects net debt for the full year to be lower than its previously guided £1.9 billion to £2.1bn.

Net debt stood at £2.1bn at the end of the third quarter.

Shares in Morrisons closed down 10p at 167.5p.