Value womenswear retailer Bonmarché's has seen half year profits soar.

Underlying pre-tax profits rose 70.3 per cent to £4.2 million at the retailer in the six months to 30th September.

Bonmarche, which has stores in Gloucester, Lydney and Lechlade, also saw healthy growth over the half year, with like-for-like sales jumping 4.3 per cent across the group and total sales climbing five per cent to £97.8 million.

Sales were boosted by a 38.6 per cent rise in online sales. This was supported by in-store ordering and an improved product range, including a higher quality denim collection.

Chief executive Helen Connolly said: "I have been encouraged by the way the teams have worked cross functionally to deliver an improved product offer and a better experience for our customers, whether in store or online. We are only at the beginning of the journey in some areas of our strategy and there is a strong plan to support future growth. I do not expect the clothing market to become any less challenging in the near future, and therefore remain focussed on continuing to grow by profitably gaining market share."