Mothercare has revealed a solid Christmas performance, with third quarter UK like-for-like sales up 1.1 per cent and further very strong international growth.

In the 13 weeks to January 9, total group sales were up 4.2 per cent, with total UK sales down 1.8 per cent due to store closures.

International sales shone once again, up 49 per cent, with direct sales also doing well, up 15.6 per cent.

The business opened its 1,000th international store in December, in Dubai.

Chief executive Ben Gordon said the performance reflected the "strength and resilience" of the Mothercare and Early Learning Centre brands and said profits should be in line with expectations.