Mothercare has revealed a robust performance in the year to March 29, led by strong performances in its online and international divisions.

During the year, Mothercare's group sales were up 35.1 per cent, or 4.5 per cent on a comparable basis - which assumes the Early Learning Centre had been owned for the same period in the previous year.

In the fourth quarter, group sales were up 31.6 per cent or 3.9 per cent on a comparable basis.

Mothercare's UK sales were up 31.7 per cent in the fourth quarter, a 2.4 per cent increase on a comparable basis. UK full-year sales were up 36.1 per cent – a 2.7 per cent hike in comparable sales.

Sales at the Mothercare's online division Direct in Home soared 106.7 per cent during the full year, or 19.7 per cent on a comparable basis.

Sales at Mothercare's international division rose 30 per cent during the year, a 14.6 per cent increase on a comparable basis.

Mothercare opened 77 franchises in the year, giving it a total of 494 stores in 48 countries.

Mothercare chief executive Ben Gordon said: “The multichannel UK business has performed well, particularly Direct in Home and the integration of the Early Learning Centre is on track. International continues its strong momentum, further strengthened by the addition of the Early Learning Centre brand, with a total of 494 franchise stores operating today in 48 countries."