CONSTRUCTION and infrastructure business Morgan Sindall has reported a record year.

The company, which has operations across the UK, including affordable housing provider Lovell in Stockton, reported a 26 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £15.5m.

That rise has been attributed to record turnover of £1.04bn, and a forward order book of £1.35bn.

A strong performance from Lovell contributed to the results, with turnover up 43 per cent to £224m, from £156m the previous year.

The company's forward order book stands at £565m.

Lovell projects in the North-East included the installation of kitchens at council homes in Stockton, as well as a refurbishment programme for Sunderland Housing Group.

Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport said: "Performance-wise, it has been our best-ever year."