The UK sex shop chain Ann Summers has said it enjoyed a surge in sales over the past year.

People are more relaxed about spicing up their sex lives

Jacqueline Gold Chief executive, Ann Summers

Sales of lingerie and sex toys at its stores jumped by 28%, while internet sales leapt by 71%.

"2001/2002 has been one of our best years ever and is proof that the British people just can't get enough of sex," said chief executive Jacqueline Gold.

She added that profits were expected to reach about �9.5m - more than double the previous year's figure.

More spice

Ms Gold said there was not one main reason for the rise in sales, but noted that British attitudes towards sex were changing.

"People are more relaxed about spicing up their sex lives," she said.

Turnover rose to �85m for the year to 30 June.

This included sales from its stores and the internet, and from sales generated through Ann Summers' parties held at people's homes.

More stores

The figures also included sales from the lingerie chain Knickerbox, which Ann Summers bought out of administration in 2000.

Ms Gold said that the Knickerbox chain had been turned round and was now going into profit.

She added that she thought there was potential to expand the Ann Summers chain to between 100 and 150 stores in the UK.

At the moment, there are 62 stores in the UK and Ireland, and the company is opening stores in Spain this summer.