STOCK WATCH

A RISE in profits sent shares in Churchill China up 4pc.

The ceramics manufacturer said that operating profit was up 33pc to £2.7m in the six months to June 30 while group revenue was 8pc higher than in the same period a year ago, at £25.8m.

Higher margins, a growing market position in Europe and rising revenues from overseas hospitality helped boost performance in the first half, with the weaker pound providing an extra boon. Shares climbed 40p to 1002.5p.