DEPARTMENT store House of Fraser said investment in its stores was paying off as it posted a lift in sales amid a "difficult" time for retailers.

The group said like-for-like sales for the six months to July 27, rose 3.7 per cent while turnover was up by £8.4 million at £432.9 million.

The group's investment programme has seen it open three new stores over the past three years, at Kent shopping giant Bluewater,and in Reading and Bristol.