TRANSPORT firm Go-Ahead has revealed strong financial results as it looks to boost bus profits to £100m.

The Newcastle-based group, which runs services in and around County Durham, Teesside, Sunderland, Newcastle and Gateshead, says it increased profits by 14.7 per cent to £40.6m in the six months to December 28.

Its rail division also reported improved operating profits of £10.5m.

That arm accounts for about a third of all passenger rail journeys through its Govia joint venture, operator of the Southeastern, London Midland and Southern franchises.

Across the group, profits were 30.8 per cent higher at £40.3m in the half-year.