PROFITS at British Vita, parent firm of Caligen Foam in Accrington, rose slightly in the first six months of the year

In the six months to June 30 sales rose to £491.7million compared to £473million in the same period last year.

Profit before tax rose to £39.4million from £38.1million.

"The results were achieved in a climate of increasing raw material prices and further strengthening of sterling, two factors that in the second quarter had particular impact on our UK compounding businesses," said the firm.