WORCESTER'S Marks & Spencer has had a "terrific year", reflecting national figures that show profits for the High Street retailer rose by 11.5 per cent.

Both men's and women's clothes have been doing particularly well in the Faithful City, driven by the new Per Una range for women, and Blue Harbour casual-wear for men.

The new David Beckham children's line - DB07 - has also gone well, and food has been a particularly strong performer.

Manager Paul Sanders said Worcester's two High Street stores had experienced a "very strong year".

"One of the biggest highlights was the new Per Una line," said Mr Sanders.

"It was our first full year last year of the range and it is very, very strong. It has really appealed to our Worcester customers. It is a slight departure from the traditional Marks & Spencer range but clearly far more in line with what customers want.

"It has helped ladies' wear overall - there has been a knock-on-effect with all ladies' clothes doing well."

He said the company had invested in the "look" of the store last year, with a refurbishment programme in June 2002.

A new in-house bakery has also been installed in the food department and has experienced strong sales.

"The other big highlight has been food," continued Mr Sanders.

"If I could put my finger on it and bottle it, I would! Customers are responding to everything across the whole range. Though the absolute highlight would have to be prepared chilled meals."

Mr Sanders said, however, retailers needed to continue to work hard in an increasingly competitive market.

"Each and everyone of us is having to work harder to make sure we make progress.

Healthy choice

"It is a lot more competitive this year - you can't rest on your laurels. There is a lot of healthy choice around at the moment for the consumer because we're all working really hard to give them what they want!"

Marks & Spencer, Britain's biggest clothing retailer, has been working hard to re-invent itself following a three-year sales slump.

Figures announced yesterday showed group pre-tax profits rose 11.5 per cent to £721.3m in the year to March 29, 2003, with UK clothing sales up 10 per cent.