Garden centre group Golden Acres has reported a 20% retail sales increase.
Latest figures for the 12 months to December showed its garden centres performed 20% better, excluding coffee shops, which improved by 35%.

Group operations director Simon Edwards said: "The weather was on our side, our teams worked hard and it was a good year. People stay at home during recession and the garden is a low-cost way to pass some time."

Sales were also boosted with the success of Golden Acres' refurbishment of its John Browns centre in Three Legged Cross, Dorset, which enjoyed a far greater footfall - around 30%.

Mr Edwards said: "It demonstrated how reinvesting money wisely pays. Getting the environment right for customers and staff is crucial now - and we hope to see the same thing at our Parley centre when it comes out of refurbishment later this year."

Golden Acres' overall nursery sales were up five per cent, which included a 24% slump in cash and carry sales that are strongly linked to performance in the building trade.