Asos has posted a jump in half-year profits, boosted by a significant surge in international sales following the collapse in sterling.

The online fashion retailer said pre-tax profits rose 14 per cent to £27.3m in the six months to 28 February, while revenue increased 37% to £911.5 million.

The Brexit-battered pound helped international sales soar 54 per to £548.4m.

The company said: “As a net exporter, sterling weakness has created a foreign exchange tailwind for the business which has enabled investment above previously planned levels into both price and proposition.”

As a result, Asos has again upgraded its sales guidance for the full year, pencilling in growth in the 30-35 per cent range, up from 25-30 per cent.

In the UK, where Asos flagged a “more promotional market”, retail sales rose 18 per cent to £340.8m.

Chief executive Nick Beighton said: “These are a strong set of results, showing great progress across the business. International growth of 54 per cent has been excellent and with the Rest of the World segment a stand-out performer.

“Given the current momentum we are seeing, Asos is making good progress towards its ultimate goal of becoming the world's number one destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings.”

The company's global business has been riding high - driven largely by the US - and it has reinvested the currency boost from the Brexit-hit pound.

Asos's buoyant results come while most other British retailers are facing a torrid time.

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John Lewis has warned over a “turbulent and challenging” high street amid cost pressures from the pound and a dramatic shift in consumer spending.

Lord Wolfson, the chief executive of Next, has also warned of another tough year ahead as the high street giant grapples with a slowdown in consumer demand.

Asos, meanwhile, announced plans in December to hire another 1,500 people over the next three years to work at its London headquarters.