BABYCARE retailer Mothercare says it has recovered from a hiccup in its sales revival.

The group told investors that like-for-like sales grew by 0.5 per cent in the five weeks to November 12, recovering from a 0.2 per cent fall in the previous 13 weeks.

The trading update came as Mothercare posted profits of £10.9m in the 28 weeks to October 9.

That was lower than the £13.4m of a year ago, which included an exceptional gain of £3.8m on property.

Chief executive Ben Gordon said the group was making good progress after reaching the half-way stage of its three-year turnaround plan.

Mothercare has refitted 81 of its 163 high street stores, improved product ranges and recently opened its first store in two years.

At the same time, it has cut costs by sourcing 30 per cent of its clothing directly from suppliers. Mothercare said it planned to increase that figure to 50 per cent

Supply chain costs fell to 6.3 per cent of sales during the first half.