LUXURY fashion brand Burberry enjoyed a strong Christmas thanks to increased demand for goods in China and improved online growth.

The firm, whose clothing has been modelled by Romeo Beckham and Hollywood actress and Harry Potter star Emma Watson, said like-for-like sales rose 12 per cent over the festive period.

It revealed trench coats and large leather goods were particularly popular, with men's accessories and tailoring products also performing well.

Bosses added stores had continued to be hit by weak footfall, but online sales raised performance after investment in collect-in-store services.

Angela Ahrendts, Burberry chief executive, said: β€œIn the all-important festive period, we are pleased with our 12 per cent comparable sales growth, which was in line with expectations.”

Burberry said its Asia Pacific region saw double-digit percentage sales growth, led by China and continued improvement in Korea.

The Americas and Europe, the Middle-East, India and Africa zones also saw growth, with performance in the UK, France and Germany remaining robust.

The 158-year-old business has 218 retail stores, 55 outlets and 68 franchise stores.