WH Smith's high street sales are falling, but it has had another rise in sales at its airport and railway station stores.

In the 20-week period to 20th January, sales in high street stores were down five per cent, with like-for-like sales falling by four per cent, as reported by the BBC.

The stationer and bookseller, which has stores across Gloucestershire, said this was partly down to fewer spoof humour books being sold, compared with the same time last year.

However, total sales in its travel outlets were up seven per cent, with like-for-like sales rising three per cent.

Total sales across the company were flat year-on-year and like-for-like sales down one per cent over the 20-week period.

WH Smith's travel outlets now account for almost two-thirds of its annual profits. It opened new large stores at Gatwick and Stansted during the reporting period and expects to open 15 stores this year.