Bury-based JD Sports Fashion said on Tuesday its revenue rose 35% to £1.8 billion and profit before tax increased 19% to £121.9 million in the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2018.

JD Sports Fashion executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “This is another record result for our group demonstrating that our multibrand multichannel premium offer has resilient profitability in its core UK and Ireland market with capacity for continued growth across an increasing number of international markets.

“Against a backdrop of widely reported retail challenges in the UK, it is extremely reassuring that the profitability in the UK and Ireland Sports Fascias has been further enhanced.

“This reflects the value of the investments that we have made over a number of years in developing a dynamic multichannel proposition which marries the best of physical and digital retail enabling customers to interact with us where and when they want and through the channel of their choice.

 “Sales to date in the second half have continued at similar levels to those in the first half supporting our continued confidence in the robustness of the JD proposition.

“We remain confident that we are well positioned to deliver an outturn in line with current market expectations which, including a part year from Finish Line, range from £337 million to £345 million and we also remain encouraged by our prospects for future growth.”