FAST growing budget clothing chain Primark, owned by Associated British Foods, is to try and crack the United States.

The first store is expected to open in Boston towards the end of next year with negotiations to open further locations in the north east of the US ongoing.

ABF chief executive George Weston said: "We'll open some stores, we'll start to learn, we'll see what sort of reception we get and we'll take it from there."

Primark already trades from 271 stores across nine countries in Europe and has already gained traction in the likes of Germany, Spain and France.

Group revenue at ABF fell 2% to £6.21 billion but adjusted operating profit before tax was up 4% to £468 million.

The company warned its sugar business is still struggling although grocery is improving.