WHSmith has reported rising profits across its shops at airports and railway stations as it prepares to sell its high street estate and focus purely on travel outlets.

Profit across its travel shops rose by 17% to £63million in the six months to February, compared with the previous year.

Meanwhile, profit at its high street business slumped by a quarter to just £20million, it said in a trading statement weeks after revealing it is selling the division.

Chief executive Carl Cowling said the group is “well-positioned for the peak summer trading period”.

He added: “We are mindful of the increased level of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, however given the resilient nature of our business, we are well-positioned to benefit from the growth opportunities in global travel retail.”

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