Soaring demand has sent sales and profits at Crewe-based Bentley Motors to record levels.

Bentley saw global sales rise for a fourth year in row. The first half of 2007 saw an increase in sales of 18.8% over the same period in 2006, with over 5,600 customers taking delivery of a car.

Turnover at £501.5m was 24% higher than the first half of 2006, and operating profit, at £57m, was also up on the first half of 2006.

March saw the highest number of sales in any month achieved by the marque, with over 1,200 customer deliveries worldwide.

Bentley, which is owned by Volkswagen, has been re-invented since the takeover in 1998, thanks to a £500m investment from its new owner.