CHOCOLATE retailer Thorntons upgraded profit forecasts after decent Easter trading kept its turnaround on track.

The retailer said trading over its key Easter, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day periods was "satisfactory", helping it offset tough conditions on the high street.

Thorntons shares soared as much as 10% as the group said it now expects underlying pre-tax profits for the year to the end of June to beat market forecasts for £3.1 million.

However, the group, which trades from more than 300 owned stores and around another 190 franchises, said it was still battling with low consumer confidence.

It follows a strong Christmas performance, when it recorded a big jump in supermarket sales of chocolate boxes, helping half-year profits rise 70%.