HAMPSHIRE based DIY giant B&Q is set to open 20 new UK and Ireland stores as part of its long term expansion plans.

In its full year results B&Q owner Kingfisher said it planned to step up its expansion after delivering higher group profits in the teeth of the economic downturn.

B&Q has 492 stores in the UK and Ireland - 330 B&Q and 162 under its Screwfix brand, employing 26,675 staff, plus 203 in France trading as Castorama and Brico Depot.

A further 161 outlets are located in Poland, China, Spain, Russia and Turkey but Kingfisher said it hoped to double this figure.

It is eyeing an estate of 550 stores in the UK and Ireland, with 20 more B&Q and 38 more Screwfix stores.

B&Q's total sales fell 2.8 per cent to £3.9 billion which Kingfisher said partly reflected its decision to limit the use of general, store-wide promotions. It saw strong demand for new kitchen ranges, particularly in the second half. Retail profit grew by 10.4 per cent to £215 million.

B&Q rebuilt its UK profit margin to 5.6 per cent from 3.2 per cent a year earlier and is on track to achieve its 7 per cent target, Kingfisher said.

It has targeted more of the building supplies market after introducing TradePoint across all its B&Q stores, a move which helped sales to the trade sector jump to £828 million in the year from £700 million a year earlier.

Other recent changes have included store revamps covering around 60 per cent of its portfolio, the roll-out of self-service checkouts and the introduction of reserve and collect for internet customers.

Chief executive Ian Cheshire said: ''Looking ahead, although I see no let up in the challenging environment in the short-term, I am excited by our future prospects.”