Kitchenware retailer ProCook defied the enforced closure of most of the company's shops to record single day sales - topping £500,000 for the first time.

Despite only 13 of the Gloucester-based firm's 48 outlets being open until the change in coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday, Black Friday promotions saw the company set the new best performance.

And it builds on sales in shops rising 41 per cent year on year between lockdowns.

Founder Daniel O'Neill said: "There is scepticism at the moment around Black Friday with some retailers not offering genuine reductions and others deciding not to get involved.

"We made it simple - 20 per cent off everything if you spend £100."

He continued "What's incredible is that we achieved this milestone with most of our stores closed.

"We've been busier than ever this year, so we were expecting a great Black Friday performance, but tipping the half a million mark has been particularly sweet and we look forward to seeing our strongest peak sales period to date."

ProCook's branch in Cirencester has remained open during the November lockdown while Gloucester Quays will start life in larger premises when the outlet centre reopens.