THE public's obsession with television property programmes helped tile and flooring specialist Topps Tiles to a bumper year.

TV shows such as Property Ladder and Changing Rooms were credited with encouraging more people to use ceramic tiles than ever before.

Topps Tiles saw its number of UK outlets rise to 201, with a further eight operating in the Netherlands through a joint venture.

The company, based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, reported a 16 per cent rise in sales.

It said the performance placed it on course to meet market forecasts of a seventh consecutive year of profit growth.

Analysts expect Topps to report annual pre-tax profits of £22m this year, compared to the £18.9m it posted for the year to September 30.

The group plans to open a further 19 stores during the year.