€7m extra on snacks takes the biscuit..

SHOPPERS have spent an extra €7.4million on biscuits, €1million on cereals and €3million on cheese and bread as parents stocked up on back-to-school lunches.

- SEAN MURPHY

Figures also show grocery price inflation fell to its lowest level in a year, according to the latest analysis.

Data firm Kantar revealed yesterday grocery price inflation slowed to 11.5% in the 12 weeks to September 3.

That is the lowest grocery price inflation level since last September and is down from 12.8% in the 12 weeks to August 6.

Analysts believe the level will fall further in the coming months.

However, according to the latest CSO figures, the current 11.5% level is much higher than last month's 6.3% general rate of inflation.