Just Car Clinics, the independent bodyshop chain, this morning reported a 16.8% rise in turnover from the first half of 2008.

Much of that was through acquisitions, including sites in Swindon and Banbury, however, as like for like growth was 3.8%.

Pre-tax profit also rose 16.6% to £647,000.

But gross margins decreased from 42.9% to 42.3%.

Chief executive Barry Whittles said: "I am delighted with these record interim results with improvement in both volumes and profit.

"High fuel costs have resulted in trading since the end of the first quarter being volatile, however, we expect to end the year in line with market expectations."

Another bodyshop has been bought in Hull, bringing JCC's network up to 23 sites.