Beckham dress helps boost M&S profits

A little black dress bought by Victoria Beckham has proved a huge hit at high street chain Marks and Spencer.

Store bosses reported an 11.5% rise in profits for first half trading, saying the £149 leather number was "easily the biggest hit of the season".

The Spice Girl ordered a size-eight dress three weeks before it hit the shelves, reportedly requesting that it be altered to fit her size-six figure.

News of the purchase meant almost 30% of the first order was sold online before becoming available in the store. A delivery of 400 was later snapped up in just 48 hours at the flagship branch in London's Marble Arch.