FASHION group Inditex, which is the world's largest clothing group by sales and trades through brands such as Zara and Massimo Dutti, has said sales in local currencies rose by 11 per cent in the half year to July.

The figure including exchange rate trends increased by six per cent to €8.1 billion (£6.4bn).

But the company posted slightly lower net profits of €928 million (£736.4m) in the period with margins falling in the second quarter.

It also took its worldwide network to 6,460 stores in 88 markets.