BOSSES at JJB Sports saw their pay packages rise last year.

Chief executive Duncan Sharpe, 42, who lives in the Ribble Valley and who was promoted from managing director to his new post last February, received a £337,000 salary as part of a total pay package, including benefits, of £352,000 in the financial year to 31 January 2002, up from £259,000 the previous year. Finance director David Greenwood, 58, received a £218,000 package, up from £192,000. Barry Dunn, 45, property director, received a £187,000 package, up from £159,000. He also saw gains totalling more than £176,000 on exercising share options during the year.

Former Blackburn Rovers player and now JJB chairman David Whelan, 65, received a £305,000 package, down from £326,000 the previous year.

In February 2001 his role changed from responsibility for day to day issues at the group to focus on general strategic issues.

During the year sales at the group rose by 11 per cent to £739.4 million and operating profits increased by 23 per cent to £113million.

In his chairman's statement in the report Mr Whelan said : "I am delighted to be able to report on another year of success for JJB Sports. After a very strong first half of the year, which saw significant increases in turnover and profits, we have continued to grow sales in the second half of the year and, importantly, with improved gross margins, despite price pressure from competitors.

"Retail sales growth in the stores has been driven by improvements to our product ranges coupled with increases in selling space."