Strong growth lifts DMGT profits by 7%

Daily Mail and General Trust, owner of the Evening Standard, increased its profits by 7% to £144million in the six months to end-March as its business divisions grew strongly to counter a downturn in local newspapers.

Chairman Lord Rothermere said: "The economic outlook remains uncertain but the group's strong cash flow allows continued investment to ensure our businesses achieve their full potential."

He added that Associated Newspapers had performed well, and the Daily Mail cover price was raised last month with no adverse impact on circulation. The interim dividend is up 8% to 4.8p.