Homeware giant Dunelm has seen sales surpass £1 billion for the financial year. Pre tax profit in the year ending June 26 soared by 44.6 per cent, rising to £158 million from £109 million.

Shareholders have also been given a bumper payment. Earnings per share increased to 62.9p while investors also received a special dividend payout of 35p and 65p per share.

Chief executive Nick Wilkinson applauded the company's "excellent performance" despite the tumultuous year that many retailers have faced during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wilkinson said: "We are emerging from the pandemic as a stronger and better business, having transitioned from being a physical retailer with digital aspirations to being a proven, digital first, multichannel retailer,"

The retail giant celebrated an active customer growth of 8.5 per cent, the majority of which was online.