Card Factory has said a rise in sales in the second half of the year has been largely down to its high street stores.

Like-for-like sales for the business rose 6.2 per cent during the period, with annual profits now expected to come in ahead of expectations.

Card Factory's partnerships and online business continue to perform in line with expectations.

The brand, which has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury and Cirencester said it had been encouraged by the start of the peak Christmas trading period.

The board now believes EBITDA for the 2023 financial year will be at least £96 million versus current forecast of £88.8 million.