SUPERMARKET Asda has closed the gap on struggling rival Tesco – after a report revealed that its share of the grocery market has grown to record levels.

Asda’s market share rose to 17.9% in the 12 weeks to March 18 from 17.3% a year ago, according to figures from retail analyst Kantar Worldpanel.

Leeds-based Asda, which has a store at Brackenhall, was boosted by its takeover of 147 Netto stores and the impact of its price guarantee scheme.

Tesco continued to feel the pain after its £500m Big Price Drop campaign failed to win over customers. The firm’s share dropped to 30.2% from 30.6% a year ago, although the falls were less dramatic than earlier in the year.

The UK’s biggest retailer also came under further pressure from the success of freezer food chain Iceland, headed by Grange Moor-born Malcolm Walker and discounters Aldi and Lidl.