Department stores group House of Fraser today reported steady sales growth as model Yasmin Le Bon helped it buck the downturn on the High Street.

The firm, which has 61 stores including its flagship on Oxford Street, said sales were up 2.9% in the 26 weeks to 26 July despite "difficult trading times".

It was a boost to Icelandic raider Baugur, which bought House of Fraser for about £350 million in August 2006 but has seen other forays onto the British High Street flop.

Baugur has interests in frozen foods store Iceland and Mosaic Fashions, owner of Karen Millen, Oasis, Principles, Coast and Warehouse. It is now looking at basket case Woolworths.

House of Fraser, led by chief executive John King, has benefited from a wave of new brands in its stores such as Kenneth Cole and The White Company. It is introducing Lauren, the womenswear line by Ralph Lauren, to the UK next year while Oxford Street will host ranges by Versace and Hugo Boss.

The store has also benefited from a marketing campaign featuring Yasmin Le Bon.

Chairman Don McCarthy said: "I think John King and his management team have done a great job in repositioning House of Fraser in what can only be described as difficult trading times. We are pleased with our performance over the six months."