BUOYANT Bury-based JD Sports Fashion PLC has seen its pre-tax profits and exceptional items break through the £100 million barrier for the first time.

The company's impressive preliminary results for the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2015, have been driven by the "exceptional performance" of its sports fashion stores.

During the period, JD's revenue surged 25 per cent to £1.5 billion. And a record result has been achieved with the news that pre-tax profits and exceptional items rose by 22 per cent to £100.023 million. Operating profit, before exceptional items, increased sharply by 23 per cent to £102 million.

Last November, JD disposed of its its Bank Fashion business after the board concluded there was no "realistic prospect" of a material improvement in its performance in the short-term. In January, Bury-based Bank went into administration.

JD executive chairman Mr Peter Cowgill said: "I am delighted to report that our continuing operations have delivered a record result for the year with a headline profit before tax and exceptional items in excess of £100 million for the first time. This result and its ingredients provide a robust platform for further profitable growth, at home and nationally.

"The results have been driven by an outstanding performance in sports fashion fascias where JD's unique and often exclusive sports and fashion premium brand offer continues to enthuse and excite customers and suppliers. The board continues to believe that the group is well positioned to exploit successfully the opportunities that exist for continued profitable growth."

JD's presence in the high street is also enhanced by its Blacks and Millets businesses which saw some "encouraging improvement" following the implementation of a number of critical operational changes and the introduction of more seasonally relevant products.

In Europe, JD has extended its store presence with 19 new shops for JD and Size? which takes the number to 70 stores.

Mr Cowgill added: "Our continued development recognises that our offer has been well received to date in these markets."

JD Sports Fashion, which opened its first store in Bury in 1981, has occupied its headquarters at Hollins Brook Way in the town since 2002.