THE boss of one of East Lancashire's biggest employers has seen his pay package rise to more than £280,000.

Keith Chapman, chairman of Fine Art Developments, saw his package, including benefits and pension contributions, increase by £23,000 compared with the previous year.

The firm, which specialises in home shopping and charity fundraising catalogues, owns Express Gifts in, Clayton-le-Moors and Church, along with Club Centre, Accrington.

It announced disappointing results for the year ending March 31, 1999, with operating profits falling to £21.5million from £27.9million. The firm's annual report showed that Mr Chapman received a total salary package of £282,000. Chief executive Tony Johnson enjoyed a £55,000 rise to £276,000, including a £40,000 bonus relating to the previous year's financial results.

In his report to shareholders, Mr Chapman said the first few weeks of the latest financial year have been encourgaing.

"I believe that prospects for the group are excellent and the investments we are making in the businesses will lead to sustainable long-term growth," said Mr Chapman.

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