STRONG growth from the B&Q DIY chain has helped retail group Kingfisher generate record sales in the third quarter of this year.

The group, which is in the process of splitting its DIY and electrical division, including B&Q and Comet, from its Woolworths and Superdrug stores, said sales in the 13 weeks to October 28 grew by 12.5 per cent to a record £2.92bn.

Like-for-like sales, stripping out the effect of store openings, were up 5.6 per cent.

The continued roll-out of its larger B&Q Warehouse format led to a particularly strong performance from DIY.

There was also strong growth from its overseas operations, while its electrical division, which includes the Comet chain, saw good growth.

Overall, like-for-like sales in its DIY and electrical divisions were ahead by 4.8 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

In its general merchandise division, Superdrug turned in a strong performance, while new formats such as Big W and its Woolworth General Store offset a slower rate of growth at Woolworth, where like-for-like sales fell one per cent in the period.

Overall, like-for-like sales in general merchandise rose 1.2 per cent.

Chief executive Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy, said: "These are encouraging sales achieved in a highly competitive environment.

He added: "We are now entering a key time and our businesses are focused on delivering success throughout the Christmas trading period which, as ever, will have an important impact on the year's performance as a whole.