A strong performance from its branded ranges has helped Staffordshire clothing firm Slimma overcome tough trading conditions on the high street.

The company said all divisions had proved profitable, with a strong performance from its brands which generated 80 per cent of sales.

The Frank Usher and Peter Martin divisions, which specialise in women's occasional wear, had sales six per cent ahead of the same period last year.

This helped the company which designs clothes in Britain and makes them in China, overcome reduced consumer spending and falling sales.

In the six months to April 1, Slimma increased pretax profits by six per cent to £850,000 despite an eight per cent drop in sales from £ 13.93 million to £12.83 million.

But it said it expected these benefits to be reduced during this year with the EU introducing new import duties.