BRICK firm Marshalls, which has major site in Accrington, has seen a healthy rise in profits despite difficult market conditions.

In the six months to June 30 sales rose to £159.9million from £147million in the same period last year.

A statement issued by the firm said : "The results show a continuing improvement in performance in what was a challenging market in the first half.

"Domestic demand is good, and the initiatives to enhance our market leading position are proving successful.

"The consensus industry view on trading conditions, which we share, is that the poor April weather, the closing down of many building sites between the Easter and May Day bank holidays, and the slow start up that followed were the main contributing factors to the lower level of industry activity."

Its clay products division, which includes the Accrington site, will be looking at improvements in manufacturing efficiency to deliver more flexible and lower cost production.