The new chairman of Body Shop International hit out at the group's performance today as the ethical beauty chain posted a "disappointing" set of final figures for the year.

The retailer, based in Littlehampton, saw profits slide in the year to March 2 while underlying sales slipped two per cent.

The group was rocked by the September 11 terror attacks - one of its stores was destroyed - while trading was affected by weak economic conditions.

Chairman Adrian Bellamy, who took over from founders Anita and Gordon Roddick earlier this year, was unimpressed.

He said: "The 2002 financial results were disappointing, not so much in the aggregate but more in the missed opportunity.

"Despite fundamental changes the Body Shop is still a long way from achieving its potential."

Group turnover edged ahead from £374.1 million to £379.6 million as the chain added 124 to its 1,954 outlets.

But despite the expansion group profits fell from £12.8 million to £11.6 million.

Mr Bellamy pledged: "We can, and will, do better."