The multinational retailer headquartered in the UK will sell branded trainers for the first time by teaming up with British company Walsh. The partnership with Walsh is revealing of Marks & Spencer's (M&S) attempts to move its clothing line upmarket.

Walsh carries strong brand recognition through its position in British culture and has become increasingly popular with indie music bands in the UK. With the new deal M&S aims to further boost the performance of its non-food business.

The Bolton-based footwear company Walsh, founded more than five decades ago, has designed eight models for M&S - four for men and four for women - which will cost around £110 a pair.

The trainers will be sold under M&S’s Best of British, a range of products produced in the UK, and will be on shelves for the autumn season.

A spokesperson from M&S said: “This season will see the Best of British collection continue to champion the finest of British craftsmanship from around Britain. Our collaboration with Walsh, who were established in 1961, further highlights another long-standing British brand that has achieved greatness through quality and innovation, and we are extremely excited with the union.”