A record-breaking profits haul from retailer Sports Direct International ensured more bonus cheer for thousands of shop workers ahead of a bumper share windfall set to pay out next month.

The retailer, controlled by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, reported a 40% leap in pre-tax profits to £207.2 million for the year to April 28 and underlying earnings jumped 22.1% higher to £287.9 million, clearing another hurdle under a 2011 four-year share incentive bonus scheme for around 3,000 staff.

The group is halfway through the scheme, which comes on top of a lucrative bonus plan from 2009 set to pay out thousands of shares for each eligible employee next month.