Pet supplies retailer Pets at Home has revealed a like-for-like sales rise of 17.5 per cent in the last quarter of 2020, as it benefited from people getting pets during lockdowns.

The business saw total revenue jump by 18 per cent to £302m in the 12 weeks to December 31, boosted further over the Christmas period with December like-for-like sales up 19.3 per cent.

Pets at Home VIP membership increased by 12 per cent year-on-year, while members of its Puppy and Kitten Club grew by 47 per cent in the third quarter.

Full year profits are now expected to be at least £77m, despite taking the decision to repay business rates relief of £28.9m.

Group chief executive Peter Pritchard said: "Against a backdrop of continued uncertainty our pet care model remains robust, with our performance during the third quarter testament not only to the advantages of our scalable omnichannel pet care platform and unique joint venture veterinary model, but also the hard work and commitment of all our colleagues across the group, to whom I express sincere thanks.

"We entered our final quarter facing renewed challenges in the form of higher Covid infection rates and restrictions on a national level, and our priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our colleagues, partners and customers."