A former Emmerdale star has helped a mail-order giant enjoy a target-beating festive period.

Patsy Kensit's endorsement drew customers to Grattan, of Ingleby Road, Bradford, aiding a pre-Christmas growth of nine per cent compared to 2005.

Supply of Apple's iPod, a personal entertainment system, also boosted the company.

Meanwhile, Grattan's Kaleidoscope mail-order business enjoyed a 30 per cent sales spurt during the same period.

Mike Hancox, CEO of parent company Otto UK since 2005, attributed Grattan's growth to endorsement by Miss Kensit, now starring in Holby City, and Nicky Hambleton-Jones, from Channel 4's 10 Years Younger.

"Customers were attracted to Nicky Hambleton-Jones' endorsement because the fashion in the catalogue could help you to look ten years younger," he said."

Mr Hancox attributed the growth of Kaleidoscope clothing and textiles to a return to its core values.

Grattan and Kaleidoscope's success contributed towards Otto group enjoying a 14 per cent total sales growth.

The home shopping group also includes Freemans and Look Again.

The company said a peak week' in the pre-Christmas period was Otto's best for two years, achieving £17.6m.

Internet sales were up over 90 per cent, double the UK market growth rate. Catalogue sales also grew, achieving £84.5 million over the Christmas period.

The figures include totals from each of the four UK catalogue brands - Freemans, Grattan, Look Again and Kaleidoscope.

The company brought Mike Hancox in to turn profits around. Mr Hancox said: "Sales have exceeded our expectations and are the result of a number of business initiatives working and complimenting each other, combined with good management."

German-based Otto took over the company in 1996.

Grattan was founded in Bradford in 1912.

e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk