PZ Cussons cashes in on nude Kate Moss fake tan ads

Kate Moss posed naked in a series of publicity shots as part of her rumoured, six-figure sponsorship deal with St Tropez

Kate Moss' naked body boosted sales at PZ Cussons during the first half of the year as customers snapped up at St Tropez fake tans she advertises.

The soap and shampoo maker saw its pre-tax profits rise 7.9 per cent to £47.6 million during the six months ending November 30, helped by a strong performance across Europe, Africa and Asia.

PZ Cussons is believed to have paid supermodel Moss a six-figure sum last summer to become a brand ambassador for St Tropez and it appears the gamble paid off with revenues from the product up in the US, Canada and Germany.

Chairman Richard Harvey added: “The group has delivered a good result for the half year with growth in both revenue and profitability.”

The group increased its interim dividend by 7.7 per cent to 2.53p.