Kingfisher group like-for-like sales jumped 2.5% in its second quarter to July 13 as the heatwave drove sales of hosepipes and fans.

The DIY giant’s UK and Ireland operations, which include B&Q, also recorded a 2.5% like-for-like rise in the 10-week period.

The performance contrasts with Kingfisher’s first quarter when group like-for-likes fell 4.2% after a cold spring.

B&Q UK & Ireland like-for-likes were up 1.9% in the second quarter, with sales of outdoor and seasonal products rising nearly 20%, representing almost 40% of total sales. Sales of hosepipes surged 82% in the quarter while in the first week of July sales of fans rocketed 1,627%.

Screwfix, Kingfisher’s trade business, experienced a 6.6% like-for-like increase.

Kingfisher group chief executive Ian Cheshire said: “Following a tough Q1, I am pleased to report that we have been able to capitalise on the better weather conditions in Q2, particularly in the UK, which has helped us to deliver growth.

“However, underlying consumer confidence remains weak in our major markets, so we continue to focus hard on our self-help margin and cost initiatives. We are on track to deliver a first half in line with our expectations.

“Our self-help plan, ‘Creating the Leader’, continues to progress well, including the successful completion in Q2 of the acquisition of 15 stores in Romania, our first new country entry in seven years. We remain confident in our future prospects.”

Total sales in France were up 3.4% while like-for-likes rose 1.1%.

Total sales in its Other International division, which comprises Spain, Turkey, Poland, Russia and China, grew by 11.2% with like-for-likes up 5.3%.