Woolworths has seen group sales for the 17 weeks to June 2 up 11.4% as hot spells drove sales of outdoor products.
The high street retailer, which has been at the centre of speculation regarding its future after issuing a profit warning in the run-up to Christmas last year, said like-for-like sales were 0.6% down.

Woolworths said in a trading statement it has been left with minimal Easter stocks after aggressive promotional activity.

Outgoing chairman Gerald Corbett said the group is approaching the second half of the trading year with caution, and stressed it would continue to focus on controlling costs.