GOOD news has rolled in for Kidderminster carpet giant Victoria, which has doubled its profits.

The firm has seen pre-tax profits for the six months up to October double to £1.29 million.

Turnover is up by 15 per cent to £18.95 million.

Victoria enjoyed a sales increase bolstered by a strong performance down under with Australian sales up by almost 40 per cent.

Sales were also boosted by the growing demand for plain tufted carpets rather than heavy patterned Axminsters.

Chairman Bob Gilbert said the first six months of the year were an extremely busy period as the firm put in place acquisitions Munster Carpets in the Republic of Ireland and Pacific Textiles in Australia.

He added: "The results show a significant improvement in the group's financial performance in the six month period when compared with the first six months of last year."

However, the chairman stressed last year's interim results were affected by a heavy spend on launching new products.

And export sales out of the UK are still hit by last year's September 11 terrorist attack. They are down 40 per cent on last year.

Mr Gilbert said there were still no signs of recovery in sales to the international hotels and leisure sector during this period.

On a brighter note for the firm, its Australian subsidiary has been recognised by one of the country's major retailing buyer groups, Carpet Choice, as supplier of the year.

Mr Gilbert added: "Overall, we are optimistic that we should continue to trade well through the second half year.

"We are cautiously optimistic that the results for the full year will show a return to the levels of profitability previously achieved."