Erotic lingerie firm Agent Provocateur is bucking the recession in the High Street as it announced an increase in annual sales.

A model shows off part of the firm's collection

The firm has provided a boost to the beleaguered retail sector and said it was "going from strength to strength".

The company said total sales grew by 8% since the end of March last year, despite the increasing pressure on other shops.

Agent Provocateur, which employs 130 staff in the UK, was founded in 1994 by Joseph Corre - son of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood - and his wife, Serena Rees.

It was bought by private equity company 3i in November 2007 for £60m.

The firm has opened 13 new stores and concessions since the deal, bringing its total outlets to 43 in a "period of significant investment".

It is likely to more than double this number over the next three years, as well as boosting internet sales.

Sales are up at the company

The company is also extending its well-known brand from lingerie into fragrance and beauty accessories.

The firm's results for the year to March 2008 showed a 26% rise in total sales to £20.7m, although underlying earnings slipped 19% to £2.2m as the firm invested in new stores.

Chief executive Garry Hogarth said: "Agent Provocateur is going from strength to strength. Despite the challenges of the global economic environment, we continue to trade strongly."

He added: "This significant investment programme, including new store openings in some of the most exciting locations in the world, has given us the platform to grow the business."

The group now trades in 18 countries including Hong Kong, Dubai, Bahrain and the US.