Lego becomes world's second-biggest toy maker

Denmark's Lego has become the world's second-biggest toy maker after reporting a 13% increase in sales.

It generated sales of $1.8bn (£1.2bn) for the six months to 30 June, up from the same period last year, overtaking US-based Hasbro.

The firm said first-half profits hit $550m and its market share rose to 8.8%.

The firm is controlled by Denmark's richest man, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, who is the grandson of Lego's founder.

US firm Mattel is the world's biggest toy manufacturer.

Lego's sales have been boosted by its new Legends of Chima range, which features animal tribe building blocks.

Slow sales in Europe and the US were offset by a boom in Asia, where sales soared by 35% in the first half of the year.

In March, the company announced plans to build its first factory in China. Construction is due to begin next year.