HAMPSHIRE-based B&Q fuelled an 18.9 per cent jump in business for retail group Kingfisher for the first quarter of the year.

The group's home improvement business delivered a strong performance, boosted primarily by UK market leader B&Q from its corporate base at Chandler's Ford

Total UK sales were up 18.9 per cent, with like-for-like sales up 5.9 per cent.

Retail giant Kingfisher reiterated its determination to take full control of French DIY chain Castorama and accused the company's partners of using delaying tactics to frustrate the deal.

Kingfisher chairman Francis Mackay said Castorama's minority shareholders had to be given the opportunity to consider its bid "as soon as possible'' and rejected the idea of a demerger of its DIY interests.

The comments came as the UK firm, the owner of both B&Q and Comet, said it had started the year "in solid fashion" with sales in the first quarter to May 4 up 6.6 per cent at £2.4bn.

Kingfisher has been caught up in an escalating row with Castorama's partners - Commandite A - since the UK firm unveiled its plans to buy up the remaining 45 per cent stake it does not already own in the French business a fortnight ago.

Buying the remainder will enable it to exercise management control over the French business.