OPERATIONS at the port of Barrow helped to boost owner Associated British Ports, which made pre-tax profits of £65.2 million for the first half of the year, up seven per cent on the same period last year.

ABP chief executive Bo Lerenius said: "The underlying growth achieved by the group's UK ports business in the first half of the year once again demonstrates the benefit of focusing our business on long-term contracts with quality customers."

Meanwhile, the company is continuing to work with local and regional development agencies to bring forward regeneration development plans for surplus areas of Barrow dock.

The ambitious plans feature a marina and village as well as a cruise terminal and business park.