Leisure group Rank said bingo players and gamblers had helped protect it from the economic climate.

Rank owns 55 Hard Rock cafes, primarily in the UK and United States, which were rocked by the slump in tourism after September 11.

The fall in demand meant turnover from the division, one of Rank's core businesses, slid 11 per cent in the second half of last year.

But the group added its gaming unit, which owns Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, had a very strong trading performance.

Second-half casino turnover was up 12 per cent and bingo revenues were ahead five per cent.

Chief executive Mike Smith said: "The all-round strength of the group is now such that the uncertain trading conditions that developed in the latter part of the year did not stop us delivering much improved financial results.

"While Hard Rock's short-term performance was undermined, we continued to make substantial progress across the rest of the group with gaming in particular showing strong sales growth."

Rank is concentrating on casinos, bingo and the Hard Rock restaurants after off-loading other businesses, including Pinewood Studios, Odeon Cinemas and Butlins holiday camps, to lose its tag of a sprawling conglomerate.

It also offers film processing services for the movie and video industries through its deluxe arm.

Full-year group turn-over for the 12 months to December 31 fell from £1.79 billion to £1.37 billion, although the decline was less, three per cent, on continuing operations.

Pre-tax profits before one-off costs rose from £186 million to £188.1 million.

A spokeswoman said improved margins and tighter cost control had helped to bolster profits.

In the gaming division, Rank closed two under-performing Mecca Bingo clubs and bought two in Rotherham and Wakefield, which were trading ahead of expectations.