BURTONWOOD Brewery, which has a number of local pubs, has announced a 16 per cent increase in half-year, pre-tax profits from £3,026,000 to £3,519,000.

The Warrington-based independent brewery has 500 pubs, mainly in the North-west, but also in Yorkshire, the Potteries, Leicester and the Midlands.

The interim dividend is up 13 per cent at 2.65p per ordinary share compared to 2.35p at the same time last year.

Chairman Graeme Dutton-Forshaw said: "We consider this a creditable performance, especially in the light of the difficult trading conditions which have been experienced by our industry."

He added: "Our refurbishment programme, which started in 1997, is now almost complete and, therefore, to provide further improvement in profitability, we are more actively seeking acquisitions.

"Competition for the 'leisure pound' is ferocious. Against this background, our continuing business development has generated growth to date and provides a strong platform for continued success.

"Our estate has been, and will continue to be, improved by our refurbishment programme, selective acquisitions and disposals."

He said the majority of the brewery's outlets would be classed as 'community locals.'