A string of lucrative building projects across Sussex helped a construction company post record half-year results.

Bluestone, based in Preston Road, Brighton, has secured contracts worth £20 million since January, including a £1.2 million hospital repair project.

Parent company Morgan Sindall said the contracts had contributed to a record £604 million turnover - up eight per cent on last year.

Pre-tax profits were up 27 per cent to £13.2 million compared with £10.4 million in the first six months of last year.

Bluestone has started work on major internal repairs at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Other projects include a £3 million contract with Worthing Homes to modernise 300 properties over three years.

The firm is carrying out a £354,000 refurbishment at a Peacehaven community centre and building a school extension in Hailsham worth £620,000.

Tuesday August 10, 2004