GARDEN centre business Klondyke has grown pre-tax profit by 140 per cent to £4.8 million for the year ending September 30.

Revenue at the Dumfriesshire company was lifted by £1 million to £49m, with directors noting that they were “extremely encouraged” by the performance.

Garden centre revenue was flat but profitability was aided by good growth from Klondyke’s coffee shops.

Its chief executive David Yardley, who replaced Bob Hewitt at the turn of the year, said the company’s decision to invest in its restaurants, and catering, had led to the sales and profit increases.