Halfords today said the hot spring weather sparked a boom in demand for bikes and travel goods, giving it a boost after a challenging year when sales came under pressure.

UK retailer Halfords, which operates 23 stores in Ireland, delivered a 27% rise in profits today after poor winter weather forced motorists to shell out on car maintenance accessories.

Retail chain Halfords moved into car servicing and repairs today with the acquisition of The UK's Nationwide Autocentres in a £73.2m (€84m) deal.

British motoring organisation the AA today said 900 jobs were set to go after it pulled the plug on its loss-making business of 122 car repair centres.