A BLACKBURN-based food company was today celebrating a leap in profits of more than 50 per cent with the announcement of its interim results.

Inter Link Foods, which owns Crossfield Foods and Maid Marian Bakeries in Blackburn, as well as bakeries in Oldham and Dewsbury, saw pre-tax profits rise by more than 55 per cent to £752,000 for the six months ending at 31 October 2000. That compares to £484,000 for the same period in 1999.

The group's turnover was up by more than 26 per cent to £6,732,000, compared to £5,317,000 for the same period a year ago. In the six-month period, capital expenditure was £622,000, of which £139,000 was spent on initial phases of the company's new building at Shadsworth and £120,000 was spent on upgrading the machinery of the Maid Marian business.

Company chairman Jeremy Hamer said: "The first production line is now operational at Shadsworth and this month Maid Marian's production will move to the factory at Crossfield Street, Blackburn. This will not result in any closure costs for the group."

The group employs 350 people and its Blackburn operation is headed by chief executive Alwin Thompson. Just last week the firm bought Hepworth and Whittles Limited, trading as Newton House Bakery in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, for £4 million.

Mr Hamer said: "We continue to trade strongly and look forward to the remainder of the year with confidence. I wish to express my warmest thanks and those of the board to the employees throughout our bakeries who have all contributed to continuing success."