Sports retailer John David Group has changed its name to JD Sports Fashion.

The change was approved at John David Group's AGM and will take effect immediately. In a statement, JD said: “The change has been effected to better reflect the market position of the company, as the UK’s leading retailer of sport and athletic-inspired fashion apparel and footwear.”

JD has increased its fashion focus in the past year, with the acquisition of 49-store young fashion chain Bank.

In the seven weeks to May 31, like-for-like sales rose more than 4.2 per cent.