Marks & Spencer's suppliers were yesterday being asked to increase their discounts to help the chain meet the bill for its multi-million-pound advertising campaign.

Celebrity models Twiggy and Erin O'Connor star in the latest television commercials, which went on air two weeks ago after a similar campaign last year.

All suppliers in home furnishings, clothing and food are to give the retailer a 0.5 per cent discount, or "marketing allowance" on the cost price from next month.