ONE of Wellington's biggest employers Swallowfield this week announced a stunning increase in profits.

The good news comes as a welcome boost to Wellington - still reeling from the loss of 30 jobs following the collapse of Richardsons only last week.

But on Thursday, Swallowfield, based in Station Road, announced a 60 per cent increase in profits. The news for the cosmetics and toiletry manufacturer comes despite a reduction in turnover and poor results in recent years.

By producing a new and unique bag-on-valve product for a major customer, the company, universally known for making aerosols, has fought back against a market downturn during the last financial year to make a pre-tax profit of £1.6 million, compared to £1 million last year.

For the full story see this week's Wellington and District edition of the Somerset County Gazette.