HOUSE of Fraser, which has a major store in Swindon town centre, has reported improved sales.

The company, which has 46 stores across the country, reported sales up 0.4 per cent on last year for the first 19 weeks of its financial year covering up to last Saturday.

With a business review identifying cost savings of £13 million, the company, which also owns Army and Navy and Rackhams, said margins were up 2.5 per cent on last year.

This announcement comes three months after House of Fraser reported an 11 per cent rise in annual underlying profits to £27 million.

It is planning to open new stores in Croydon, Dublin, Norwich and Maidstone.

Chief executive John Coleman said: "Given the continued improvement in trading and the expected benefits from the new store openings, the company remains positive."

In September the company will publish results for the first 26 weeks of its trading year, which will cover up to the end of July.