RAWTENSTALL-based communications firm 2ergo has announced its profits for the last six months are up 66 per cent from last year.

The company, which provides services using mobile phone technology, such as news and entertainment services on text message, has seen its pre-tax profit rise from £540,000 in 2005 to £1,029,000 this year.

This 91 per cent rise has been put down to a move by 2ergo into a scheme to make transfering data over mobile phones more secure, and deals in the American market.

Barry Sharples, joint chief executive, said: "We are very pleased to announce another strong period of growth, both financially and operationally.

"The evolution in the mobile market is offering the group opportunities to roll-out innovative solutions from which we are already seeing significant rewards."