Greene King was given a boost by soaring summer temperatures which helped lift profits by 6.9% in the first half.

The company said its brewing division enjoyed “strong” beer volumes with sales increasing during the period.

However, Greene King said trading in Scotland had continued to be weaker since the introduction of the smoking ban, with total like-for-like retail sales there down 2.8% during the period.

Last September the company bought Hardys & Hansons adding 268 pubs in east-central England to their portfolio. The company said the integration was complete.

By Daniel Thomas

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