Character expects full-year adjusted pre-tax profits to be in line with current market expectations and said initial sales of products for the Christmas 2024 season were showing "encouraging signs", especially new introductions.

The AIM-listed group also said it continues to have "a solid balance sheet" and "a healthy cash balance".

"The directors look forward to updating shareholders further on its performance at the time of publication of the group's results which are scheduled to be released in December 2024," added Character.

As of 0945 BST, Character Group shares were up 0.14% at 277.38p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com