Department store group House of Fraser has announced that it has returned to profit for the first time in ten years.

In the 12 months to January 30th, the group saw pre-tax profits of £1.3 million compared to last year’s £2.9 million loss.

Meanwhile, online sales rose 27% after improvements in its delivery service and website to make up a fifth of the group’s total sales.

Nigel Oddy, chief executive, said: “This turnaround has been driven by sales. We have seen strong sales across all routes to market and the key has been house brands which deliver higher profit margin.”