RITCHEY Tagg has announced profits of £730,072 and a turnover of £6.85m for the year ending June 30.

The Masham-based company is made up of Ritchey, livestock care and management company; Fearing International, ear tag distributor, and Brookwick Ward, veterinary and equine products distributor.

The company has designed and manufactured livestock ear tags for 30 years and works closely with Government departments on national identification schemes.

Over recent years Ritchey has grown through extra business and acquiring Fearing, in Northampton, and Brookwick Ward which operate from the Masham head office.

Geoff Rhodes, managing director, was pleased with their performance.

"Following the uncertainties created by foot-and-mouth disease the previous year, this year of consolidation keeps us at the forefront of the agricultural supply industry and well-placed to respond to ongoing legislation relating to the traceability of livestock, which continues to be a global priority," he said.

Ritchey Tagg employs 86 people - 67 at Ritchey Tagg; 14 at Fearing and five at Brookwick-Ward.