BLACKBURN-based Inter Link Foods today announced record profits of £3.7million on a turnover that broke through the £50million barrier for the first time.

The company, which provides cakes and pastry products to all of Britain's supermarket groups, achieved sales of £51.4million.

Chairman Jeremy Hamer said it had been an excellent year for the company, including the purchase of the Soreen malt loaf business from Warburtons and a top industry award as "best own label supplier".

"The outlook is positive and the scene set for another year of significant progress," he added.

Inter Link, based at the Shadsworth Business Park, also announced the appointment of former Asda executive Paul Griffiths as group managing director. He will join the board on September 1 to take control of its manufacturing and distribution businesses.

The move allows chief executive Alwin Thompson to focus on the strategic development of the group, acquisitions and the expansion of the branded and licensed sectors of the cake market.

Inter Link proposed a final dividend of 3.33 pence per share, up from 2.8p in 2002, making a total dividend for 2003 of 5p.