SHARES in a cake maker rocketed after the firm revealed a sharp rise in profits.

At the Blackburn firm's annual general meeting chairman Jeremy Hamer said profits in the first quarter of the year were up by 67 per cent and sales up by 15 per cent on the same period last year.

The firm manufactures products including cherry Bakewells and tray cakes at its Crossfield Street bakery and supplies retailers including ASDA, Somerfield and Tesco.

"Current trading remains buoyant and I am confident that this will prove to be another highly successful year for the group," said Mr Hamer.

Shares rose by 22p to £1.60p - their highest ever level. They have been rising steadily since May when an investment guru bought a £300,000 stake in Inter Link.

Jim Slater, known in the city for choosing companies that have special growth potential, bought 253,300 shares.

Inter Link foods was set up five years ago to buy out struggling Crossfield Foods in the town.

At the time it was making losses of £350,000 on £1.4 million turnover and the jobs of its workforce were at risk.

Today the business employs 200 people and makes a profit of £340,000 on a £5 million turnover.

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