The Co-operative Group's sales soared last year as its acquisition of Nisa convenience stores paid off.

The business also hailed a year of community initiatives, as it returned £79 million to members and local projects.

Total revenues jumped 14 per cent to £10.2 billion in the 52 weeks to January 5, driven by the addition of Nisa and a strong performance in the food business.

Like-for-like food sales were up 4.4%, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.

Profit before tax from continuing operations was up 27% to £93 million.

Underlying pre-tax profits were flat at £43 million.

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It follows Co-op's acquisition in 2017 of convenience store network Nisa, which formally completed in May of last year and has seen Co-op products appear in the shops.

Meanwhile, the Co-op funeral division saw a 1% decline in revenue, due to heated competition in the market.

The Herald: Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes owner GVC Holdings has said it is on track to deliver double-digit growth in its online business this year, after it posted strong growth in the first quarter.

Net gaming revenue (NGR) for online was up 17 per cent in the three months to March 31.

This comprised 16% growth in sports betting, while gaming was up 20%.

Chief executive Kenneth Alexander said the results showed a continuing "strong trend" and represented an "excellent start to the year".

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Like-for-like revenue in UK retail was flat, but European shops saw 2% growth.

Total group net gaming revenue was 8% higher in the period.