CLITHEROE-based conservatory giant Ultraframe Plc has issued a profits warning, blaming bad weather for a drop in business.

The company has advised the City that pre-tax profits for the first six months of the financial year up to March 30 would be "not less than £9 million".

In the corresponding period last year, Ultraframe posted half-year profits of £10.5 million.

Shares in the company slumped by 14 per cent within minutes of the announcement, down 55p to 348p before rallying to 354p.

Ultraframe said sales and orders were currently running at high levels in advance of the traditionally much stronger second half.