Lego has overtaken Barbie doll-maker Mattel as the world's best-selling toy firm after sales were boosted by products linked to the Lego Movie.

The Danish firm said revenues soared by 11 per cent in the first six months of 2014 to 11.5 billion kroner (£1.22 billion), marginally higher than the figure reported by its Fisher-Price and Matchbox rival last month.

Chief financial officer John Goodwin said: "Lego Movie products provided a significant boost to our sales during the first half of 2014."

He said the company was hopeful that the lift to sales from the Warner Brothers' film will continue following its release on DVD.

Lego is enjoying success in new markets, with China sales up more than a half.

The name is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning play well. Net profit in the half-year period was up 14 per cent on last year, at £287 million.