SETON Healthcare, owners of the Cupal pharmaceuticals plant in Blackburn, has seen pretax profits soar by 45 per cent.

In the six months to August 31, the group enjoyed a 39 per cent leap in sales to £49 million with profits up to £7.9 million.

And chairman Norman Stoller said prospects for the second half of the year were promising.

"The group achieved strong sales growth in the first half and we expect the underlying trend to remain positive." He said the Blackburn site had continued to play a vital role within the group.

A new automated liquid filling line and computerised manufacturing line have recently been installed.

Seton, the fourth largest supplier of over the counter products to UK pharmacies, saw sales rise in all divisions, including a 38 per cent increase in exports.

Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 2.7p per share.

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