THE ongoing housing boom helped housebuilder Persimmon post a 45 per cent rise in half yearly pre-tax profits to £220.3m.

The York group, which employs 600 staff in the North-East, said its large land bank, relatively low average selling price and excellent profitable growth record left it in a very competitive position.

Duncan Davidson, chairman, said: "We strongly believe Persimmon is very well placed to deal with whatever conditions the UK housing market may produce."

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