Toy maker Character said that it made “solid progress” over the Christmas period, with financial results meeting expectations.

At the group’s AGM, it said: “What is perhaps more significant for our future growth is that not only have we enjoyed solid Christmas sales but early indications are that post-Christmas sales have remained strong with all the items highlighted in last year's Annual Report, such as Minecraft, Teksta, TheZelfs, Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, and ChillFactor, continuing to perform well.

Additionally, the late November introduction of Cra-Z-Loom to the UK market shows great promise of replicating the success seen in the U.S.

Whilst the growth of UK sales across several categories is pleasing, it is also satisfying to note that international distribution and sales continue to develop strongly.