Glisten PLC, the Blackburn-based chocolates to popcorn group, today announced record annual pre-tax profits of £1.36million.

In its first full year on the Stock Market, the company pushed its turnover through the £15million barrier for the first time.

And in a message to shareholders, chairman Jeremy Hamer said sales this year were higher and that the order book for the Christmas season was already full.

"We anticipate sales moving forward strongly later in the year," he said. "We are confident of a second excellent year."

Glisten plc was formed in October 2001 to build a food group focusing on niche sectors. The company's first acquisition was The Glisten Company Limited, based at Hill Street, which has since been renamed Glisten Confectionery.

It manufactures chocolate and sugar-based confectionery, edible cake decorations and confectionery ingredients.

Its products include chocolate-coated raisins, peanuts and brazils as well as mint imperials, popcorn, mini-eggs, and sugar-coated almonds.