AS the snow comes down, Bella di Notte’s sales figures go up.

Susan Johnson, founder of Bella di Notte, the Helmsley-based exclusive thermal lingerie brand, said since the first snowfall she has been selling almost 1,000 thermal vests daily.

Staff at the family-run company are working extra hours to keep up with demand and are recruiting their friends and family to ensure delivery dates.

Originally sales figure were forecast at about 300 thermal items per day, “but energy-conscious customers are buying in bulk in order to beat the rising costs of heating their houses,” she said.

She also reports particular interest from owners of stately homes around the country.

“Since last week we have sold about 200 sheep’s worth of luxury merino wool items. Vests and camisoles have made up the majority of orders.

“Knee-high socks have seen a boost due to the trend for designer welly-wearing and also tall boots worn with slim-leg jeans.

“A number of sales are coming from the owners of historic homes who are especially keen to keep heating bills to a minimum. They typically purchase for complete layered ‘top to toe’ and ‘day to night’ wear for all the family including vests, long johns, pants and socks as well as pyjamas and bedsocks.”