Wickes like-for-like sales were up by 5.2% in its final quarter of 2022.

The DIY retailer, which has stores in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester, saw strong demand for energy-saving products, such as loft insulation and draught excluders.

The company said the cost-of-living crisis and the colder winter months saw customers looking to reduce their energy bills, with many visiting Wickes' website for tips on how to reduce energy use and cut costs.

Like-for-like sales of the retailer's Do It For Me range soared by 34.5%, while core like-for-like sales fell by 2%, as sales returned to normal levels following the pandemic DIY boom.

Wickes now expects its full-year adjusted pre-tax profit to be in line with expectations of between £72m to £76m for 2022, down from £85m in 2021.

Punchline said: "We travel all over the county delivering magazines and are always welcomed at Wickes stores. On a personal basis, editor Mark Owen spends a small fortune at Wickes and finds that staff are always pleasant and helpful."