Ann Summers has enjoyed another bumper year with soaring sales figures, underlining its position as the UK's top sex toys and lingerie firm.

Delighted chief executive Jacqueline Gold released the promising sales and profits figures last week.

Ann Summers' UK operations generated a total gross turnover of £143.3m, which yielded a 16.5 per cent increase on last year's figure of £123m.

Profits leapt by 27 per cent from £2.2m to £2.8m.

The Whyteleafe-based business also saw revenues surge by 18.4 per cent to more than £87.3m, up from last year's figure of £73.8m.

Profits from Ann Summers parties saw an 11.3 per cent increase from £44.1m to £49m.

But Ann Summers' largest increase was the firm's internet sales, which were up 30.2 per cent to £6.6m.

Ms Gold, who listed the Rampant Rabbit, edible thongs and handcuffs in the top 10 best sellers list for 2005/06, said she was "delighted" with another successful year.

She added: "I'm really pleased because it really is tough out there at the moment and being able to buck the trend is a great achievement for everyone here at Ann Summers.

"Our strategy of investment in the future growth of the company is once again reaping rewards. Despite many retailers trying to jump on the bandwagon, Ann Summers is still the number one store for sexy lingerie and toys."

Ms Gold insists that it is the brand's uniqueness that keeps it one step ahead of the competition: "We are very different, we have a very unique business and we are always focusing on keeping our uniqueness. As the nation gets sexier so does Ann Summers."