BERKELEY Group, the parent company of house builder Crosby Homes, has announced increased profits and turnover.

Pre-tax profits rose by almost a quarter to £75 million and turnover increased by £2 million to £370 million in the six months to the end of October.

Preston-based Crosby Homes Lancashire has three housing estates under way including a site in Whalley.

Managing director John Jarvis said: "We are well placed to become a dominant force in Lancashire."