ULTRAFRAME executive directors shared bonuses of more than £156,000 last year, according to the firm's latest annual report.

The payments came after the Clitheroe-based conservatory roofing company saw a healthy rise in sales and profits in the year to September 29.

Chief executive David Moore, 37, received a £145,000 basic salary and £72,500 bonus. With benefits, his total salary package was £236,337, up from £144,708 in the previous year.

Finance director James Henry, 41, received a £41,250 bonus on top of his £82,500 salary as part of a total package of £133,809 up from £92,195. Technical director Chris Richardson, 42, appointed a director in September 1999, received a £42,337 bonus on top of his £85,000 salary. His total package was £137,962.

Ultraframe founder and now executive vice-chairman John Lancaster, 57, received a salary of £30,000.

Fees of £44,500 were paid in respect of chairman Rod Sellers, 54, who was appointed to the post in June.

Bonuses are paid to executive directors only if financial targets are met by the group. During the financial year, turnover increased by 18.2 per cent to £81.67million and profits before tax were up by 23.5 per cent to £27.51million.

At the firm's annual general meeting last week, Mr Sellers predicted another good year. Turnover for the first three months in the core business was marginally up with a strong performance recorded by the commercial structures subsidiary, Ultraspan Ltd.

He said the domestic market for conservatories was predicted to grow by more than 10 per cent during 2001 and by 52.7 per cent over the four years ending December 2004. "

The order book, at £1.7m is also at record levels. During the year the number of employees rose from 544 to 636.

Ultraframe's founder gave away £125m last year, according to the Mail on Sunday's list of the country's 300 wealthiest people. John Lancaster is placed 186th in the list, down from 95th last year, with a fortune of £168m.

Top locally is Trevor Hemmings, owner of Pontin's and Blackpool Tower, who with a £525million fortune is 44th. Jack Walker's family are at 46th with £500 million. Also in the list are Peel Holdings' John Whittaker (£475m), originally from Rossendale but now living on the Isle of Man, former Rovers star Dave Whelan (£284m), boss of JJB Sports, and Airtours boss David Crossland (£259m).