Morrisons bosses today reported the business is remaining on track to deliver improved profits and returns for shareholders.

This morning the company released its interim figures for the first half year up to July 31.

Morrisons has achieved a third consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth as the supermarket continues its turnaround under chief executive David Potts.

The supermarket said like-for-like sales grew two per cent in the second quarter, while pre-tax profit for the six months to July 31 rose 13.5 per cent to £143 million.

Company chairman Andrew Higginson said: "The new team has made a real difference and delivered further good progress across the board in the first half. Prices are lower, customers are being served better and quality is improving."

Turnover edged down 0.4 per cent to £8.03 billion in the half year, with like-for-like sales up 1.4 per cent in the six months to July 31.

The firm said it has seen "no negative impact" on customer sentiment or behaviour as a result of the EU referendum.

Mr Potts said he is planning more improvements ahead.

He added: “We are pleased with positive like-for-like sales and 11% underlying profit growth in the first half. Our priorities are unchanged. We have made improvements to the shopping trip for customers and we plan to do more.

“I would like to thank the entire Morrisons team of food makers and shopkeepers who are working very hard to Fix, Rebuild and Grow Morrisons. This turnaround opportunity is in our own hands and I am confident we will succeed.”

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