Sunderland-based Richard Hardie has seen a 30% increase in sales in 2009 with revenues up from £30.2 million to £39m.

Pre-tax profits were up from £72,000 to £644,000 over the same period.

The rise was put down to the opening of a new Tyneside site at the end of 2008 and riding the success of the scrappage scheme.

The group is run by Phillip Hardie and has outlets in Ashington, Chester-le-Street and now north Tyneside.

Despite strong results Hardie said it would be difficult to recreate the performance this year due to the end of scrappage, a rise in VAT to 20% and following economic uncertainty.