The group behind Currys and PC World said first quarter sales leapt 6% thanks to a World Cup boost for televisions and strong demand for Apple's iPad.

DSG International - soon to change its name to Dixons Retail - reported back on an "encouraging start" to its financial year thanks to the robust performance from the UK & Ireland arm.

Its hike in like-for-like sales across the division drove a 3% lift in group-wide comparable revenues in the 12 weeks to July 24.

DSG said its UK business was buoyed by an exclusive deal to market the iPad, as well as promotions surrounding the World Cup.

John Browett, group chief executive of DSG, said: "This is an encouraging start to the year, especially given the challenging market conditions."

But he added the group remained "cautious about the economic outlook".

DSG's first quarter performance also comes against comparisons with a year earlier, when UK & Ireland sales plunged 14%.

Performance was helped by DSG's 60-day exclusivity partnership with Apple after the UK launch of the iPad on May 28.

It also focused heavily on the World Cup football tournament, with promotions including a £10 cash back deal for every goal England scored when customers bought a TV for more than £599.

DSG said its UK & Ireland business stole greater market share during the three months.