But the NUS is concerned there is a long-term drift towards placing entry charges on students - following the precedent set by tuition fees - and has supported an early-day motion in the House of Commons declaring opposition to top-up fees, signed by 38 MPs.

BBC: Students want ban on 'top-up fees'

Mothercare's share price fell 4.1% in early London trading on Thursday following the release of the sales figures, but recovered most of its losses later in the day.

BBC: Mothercare UK High Street sales continue to fall