M&S scores with Becks

David Beckham's Midas touch has rubbed off on Marks & Spencer, putting its struggling clothing range back into the black.

The retailer put a run of poor figures behind it to record its first growth in profits and sales for five years.

It is too early to gauge fully the impact of Beckham's DB07 range but analysts said the cooler image provided by the footballer and a string of top designers had revitalised the retailer.

The chain announced sales were up 13.2 per cent, while profits jumped from £441million last year to £644million. It was a welcome upturn after a barren spell during which M&S profits slipped by £500million.

Chief executive Roger Holmes, said: 'We know we can do even more to create a better shopping experience for our customers and to recover lost ground.'

Retail analyst Rhys Williams added: 'It took us by surprise really. The group has recovered a lot more quickly than anyone expected. Quality, and name products like the David Beckham children's line, have been key to the company's recovery.'