Pizza and pasta restaurant chain Prezzo has reaped the rewards from opening new sites, boosting sales by a third for the first six months of the year.

Chief executive Jonathan Kaye said the strong performance was down to the "continued wide appeal of the Prezzo brand".

"We are particularly encouraged by the performance of new openings and remain on track to meet our expansion plans for the full year," he added.

Prezzo opened its most northerly outlet, in Cheshire, earlier this year, having previously concentrated itself in the South-east and London. It expects to expand to other parts of the UK.

The company has added 17 new restaurants so far this year, bringing its total up to 112.

Revenue increased by 35% to £32.5m for the 26 weeks ending 1 July. Pre-tax profits increased from £3.2m in the same period last year to £4.7m.

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By Christopher Walton

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