Gallaher, UK's second-largest tobacco company, said its profits rose 15 per cent in the first half of the year as it sold more cigarettes in central and eastern Europe.

The group, which makes brands such as Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges, said total sales were up 2.1 per cent to £ 4.03 billion for the six months of the year to 30 June 2006, sending pre-tax profits up to £ 259 million from £ 225 million during the same period last year. (pi)