MORRISONS staff in Blackburn are enjoying a cash boost, thanks to a £12.5 million profit share payout triggered by the company's record-breaking sales announced last month.

This year, 26,399 of the company's 43,000 employees have qualified for the company's profit-related pay scheme.

They share in a £12.5 million profit share pool, which is 13.8 per cent higher than last year, giving each the equivalent of about two weeks extra pay.

Bob Stott, Morrisons joint managing director, said: "We have a super team and they have made a terrific contribution to the company's success.

"This is a thank-you for their energy, skill and enthusiasm throughout the year."

In 1978 Morrisons was one of the first companies to introduce a profit share scheme when 1,466 employees shared £188,000.

Now serving more than three million shoppers very week, Morrisons announced its 35th successive rise in sales and profits, reporting an annual turnover of £3.9 billion, up 11.9 per cent on last year.

All recipients of this year's profit share will also be invited to take part in Morrisons 2002 Sharesave offer, giving them the opportunity in future to buy shares in the company at a discounted price..