Reports of "encouraging" sales and a slight increase on last year's sales performance Hornby saw shares move higher on Tuesday.The group, which has suffered a tough couple of years, said encouraging sales of its Airfix and Corgi products had helped to bring the figure in line with expectations, particularly following the launch of its 1/24 Hawker Typhoon MKB1 toy. Hornby said that while it still anticipated challenges in ongoing production, it was confident that the supply of key products would improve over time as it continues to focus on the production processes for its Hornby and Scalextric products from its supplier partners in Asia. To assist its performance in Asia, the group has appointed a managing director of the region. The company is making progress with its plans to move its UK logistics and warehousing functions to DS Logistics in Kent. The facility is expected to enable to the company to service its UK customer base more effectively over the key sales period this Christmas. Hornby has also seen a 15% increase in average order value and a 40% increase in customer conversion rates following launch of the Magento based websites for Airfix, Humbrol, Corgi, Scalextric and Hornby. "The pre-Christmas period will be an important factor in the overall result of the current financial year," the group said. "We have a strong range of products and initial indicators of both listings and orders are encouraging. On time delivery of our product will continue to be a significant factor in performance and we are working closely with key suppliers to achieve the required volumes. "With the correct volumes in play we are satisfied that our trading outlook is in line with market expectations. In the longer-term we remain confident in the strength of our brands and the opportunity to improve performance and grow profitability." Shares ended the day 8.49% higher at 65p. NR