CRANSWICK, the food manufacturing group which incorporates Thornaby-based Lazenby's, plans to make the brand a favourite on the dinner plates of the nation.

The start of those plans will see Lazenby's launch a "Best of British" sausage range later this month in supermarkets across the UK, including Tesco and Safeway.

The news came as Cranswick announced a 26 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £11.7m.

Turnover at the group increased by 22 per cent to £192.6m.

The success of the group came despite the difficulties raised by the outbreak of foot- -and-mouth disease.

Bernard Hogarth, managing director of Cranswick and Lazenby's said: "Despite the difficulties that the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease introduced, the growth of the company has continued apace.

"This is an absolutely tremendous achievement. The solid track record of the company is evidenced by the compound rates of growth over the past five years."

Mr Hogarth added: "Cranswick has plans to further develop the Lazenby's brand on a national basis, starting with the launch of the "Best of British" sausage range later this month.

"The range has already received an excellent response from major retailers, including Tesco and Safeway.

"As a result, we will be further investing in our plant capacity and product development.

"Coupled with our wider customer base, the scene is set for continued growth in that area of our business."

Lazenby's, which employs around 100 people at its Thornaby plant, on Teesside, held a lavish launch party for its traditional "Best of British" range at Anton Mosimann's Food Academy in London last week.

Lazenby's also produces free range and organic sausages for The Prince of Wales's "Duchy Originals" brand, as well as own-label sausages for the major supermarkets.

Shareholders will receive a dividend of 16.5p per share for the year, a rise of 1.5p per share on the previous year.

Lazenby's was taken over by Humberside-based Cranswick in a £3.5m deal in November 1998.

The takeover was designed to give the Thornaby company the extra muscle to compete in the national market.

As a result, the company has undergone a period of renewed expansion.

Richard Lazenby, founder of the company, and Valda Morris, managing director, have both continued in their positions with the new-look firm.