Yorkshire Water has helped utility group Kelda to a "very satisfactory" set of results.

The group posted a 9.4 per cent rise in profits after Yorkshire Water maintained its supplies, despite one of the hottest and driest years on record.

This contrasted with mixed results from the group's other UK operations and a steady performance by its US water business.

Kelda reported that pre-tax profits before exceptional items rose to £191.6m in the year to March 31, while turnover increased 5.1 per cent to £725.5m.

Chairman John Napier said the performance of Yorkshire Water was particularly commendable as it was achieved against a background of severe water shortages.

Supplies were maintained without restriction or drought orders with the help of groups including the Environmental Agency.

Yorkshire Water is Kelda's main UK subsidiary, providing water and waste water services to more than 4.7 million people and 140,000 businesses.

Kelda has a 25-year £1bn contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide water and waste water services to MoD sites in the Midlands, Wales and south west England.