Christmas Cheer For Wetherspoon's

Revellers' Christmas spirit brought cheer to pubs operator JD Wetherspoon which has reported a 20% rise in pre-tax profits for its first six months.

Profits were £32.9m for the six month period to January 28, up from £27.4m a year ago.

However, it is cautious about expectations for the second half.

"Following strong like-for-like sales until Christmas, sales growth slowed in January and February," said chairman Tim Martin.

"In view of the increase in wages and utility costs, combined with slower sales growth, the company is cautious about the outcome in the second half," he added.

The group has put its interim dividend at 4p a share, up from 1.6p.

Revellers' Christmas spirit brought cheer to pubs operator JD Wetherspoon which has reported a 20% rise in pre-tax profits for its first six months.

Profits were £32.9m for the six month period to January 28, up from £27.4m a year ago.

However, it is cautious about expectations for the second half.

"Following strong like-for-like sales until Christmas, sales growth slowed in January and February," said chairman Tim Martin.

"In view of the increase in wages and utility costs, combined with slower sales growth, the company is cautious about the outcome in the second half," he added.

The group has put its interim dividend at 4p a share, up from 1.6p.