LOCAL authority contractor Capita has recorded a £118.9million profit for the first half of this year.

The company, which provides highway services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, has seen its operating profits for the six months to June 30 rise 20 per cent from £99.1million.

Turnover has also risen 17 per cent from £845million to £985million.

The rise follows Capita signing contracts this year worth £1.15billion.

The profits will see shareholders receive an increased dividend payout of four pence per share up from just under three pence.