Kingston town centre has the least amount of empty shops in the capital, according to new, recession-busting figures.

Only 9.2 per cent of shops are vacant in Kingston making it the sixth lowest among large centres in the country, a study by the Data Company has revealed.

In the last six months several new stores have invested in the town centre including major brands such as Disney, Office and Hollister.

The future continues to look bright for the town centre with Primark applying to double floor space and River Island planning a new outlet.

Ros Morgan, chief executive of Kingstonfirst, said: "We enjoy a great reputation for shopping that brings people to the town from a vast catchment area.

"Kingston also has so much else to offer that it is a destination in its own right, with great cultural venues such as Hampton Court Palace and the Rose Theatre, a wonderful selection of cafes, bars and restaurants plus a unique setting on the banks of the River Thames."

Vacancy rates for Surbiton, New Malden, Hook and Tolworth have not been recorded in the study or by the council.