BED and furniture giant Silentnight has reported a buoyant start to the new financial year.

At the Barnoldswick based firm's annual general meeting, chairman Keith Ackroyd said results from the first four months were ahead of target and of last year's figures.

UK bed sales were up 10 per cent although cabinet furniture sales dipped eight per cent.

Overseas sales in both the USA and Germany had increased by more than 10 per cent and Mr Ackroyd said total group turnover was 10 per cent higher than the same period last year.

"We remain confident that 1998 will see a further improvement in the performance of the group," he said.

The firm, which employs more than 4,000 people manufacturing beds and cabinet furniture, recently bought the Rest Assured bed brand.

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