(Reuters) - Retail sales rebounded in June, lifted by a heatwave in the second half of the month, the World Cup football tournament and early summer discounts, a survey showed on Tuesday.

Topshop, London - Corbis

The British Retail Consortium said the value of sales last month was 1.2 percent higher than a year ago on a like-for-like basis -- up from 0.8 percent in May and the best showing since March.

Total sales, which include new floorspace, rose 3.4 percent on the year, up from 3.0 percent in May and also the best showing since March.

Both figures were higher than the average for the year to date.

The BRC said the results were encouraging, particularly given the comparison with a strong performance in June last year.

"Another good month's growth -- the second highest of the year," said Stephen Robertson, the consortium's director general. "Sunny weather and early clearance sales boosted clothing and outdoor goods. The World Cup buoyed demand for televisions.

(Reporting by Christina Fincher; Editing by Toby Chopra)