Specialist chocolate maker Thorntons posted a 16.4% rise in full-year pre-tax profit and said its recovery was on track as it plans to develop new products such as ice cream, sauces and a liqueur.

Pre-tax profit to June 29 rose to £7.1 from £6.1 last year on a 2.4% climb in turnover from £159.9m to £163.8m.

Peter Burdon, chief executive, said like-for-like sales at its own shops grew of 3.6% and that in current trading, underlying sales were 6.8% ahead.

Thorntons also announced that Philip Douty would assume the role of trading director from September 30. Douty joins after eight years with Boots, latterly as md of its Wellbeing services.