Fashion chain Next is expected to report a healthy rise in profits this week thanks to the warm summer weather.

The Enderby group will unveil its earnings for the six months to July 27 on Thursday 13th September.

Total sales rose 2.3 per cent over the period.

Next said sales in its stores were down 0.9 per cent but online sales were up 8.3 per cent.

The growth led to the company raising profit expectations for the year to January 31, 2014, forecasting a profit of up to £675 million, compared to £665 million.

Source: Leicester Mercury. http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/reveal-profits-rise/story-19770625-detail/story.html