Clothing retailer Primark’s half-yearly sales have risen 15% since last year, increasing retail profits for parent company, Associated British Foods.

Primark’s operating profits were £322 million in the six months to February, up from £298 million in the same period last year. Associated British Foods’ credited a strong Christmas trading period for the budget fashion chain.

George Weston, chief executive of Associated British Foods’ said: "This is a sound trading result with significant progress made in operating profit by Primark.

"As expected, profitability at AB Sugar was substantially lower as a result of much weaker EU sugar prices.

"Primark's performance was driven by significant expansion of selling space and superior trading by the stores opened in the last 12 months and plans for its entry into the north-east of the US are well advanced."