PENNEYS the clothing chain in Ireland and the UK owned by Associated British Foods, has reported strong growth in sales and operating profits in the half-year to mid-September.

ABF has not broken down the Penneys/Primark results between Ireland and the UK in the parent group's half-year results. But the retail operations increased sales by 23 per cent to £364 million sterling while operating profits soared by 87 per cent to £43 million sterling.