WOMENSWEAR retailer Penny Plain weathered last month's storm on the High Street to announce record figures.

Despite one of the wettest Augusts on record, which led to a washout in the high street, Penny Plain, based in the region, reported a 60 per cent increase in sales from this time last year.

The mail order and retail operation has three of its seven stores in the North-East, including outlets in Yarm, Corbridge and Gosforth.

Managing director Nick Oliver said: "In response to our customers changing needs, our collections contain staple pieces that can be worn in winter, spring, summer or autumn as well as new seasonal collections.

"The Penny Plain customer increasingly holidays all year round to long-haul destinations, so is just as likely to require sarongs and sundresses in winter or jackets and jerseys in the summer as they are a traditional seasonal wardrobe.

"Not surprisingly, we have been inundated with requests for lightweight waterproof clothing in recent months, but have still managed to sell out of most high summer garments too - either most of our customers have escaped the British weather for the sunnier climes or are optimistic of an Indian Summer.

"Surprisingly, it is in our stores where we have seen the largest growth - mail order figures have increased, but not to the same degree as our retail sales which have surpassed all expectations."