ONLINE fashion retailer Asos has said the continuing popularity of online shopping helped it buck gloomy high street trends, as it flagged up profits ahead of market hopes.

Asos (As Seen on Screen), targets 16 to 34-year-olds with clothing based on celebrity outfits.

Sales in the four weeks to April 27 are running 80 per cent ahead of last year, with the biggest sellers including prom dresses, gladiator sandals and vintage sunglasses.

Pre-tax profits will be "slightly ahead" of market forecasts in the year to March 31 and full-year sales were 90 per cent ahead at about £81m.