Lincolnshire Co-op has recorded a profit rise driven in part by a strong performance from its food stores.

Sales at the Society’s 77 food stores rose by 2.2%, with sales of the Love Local range up by 11.4% on the back of strong demand for local products.

New stores have opened in Crowie, Holton le Clay, Washingborough and Boultham Park Road in Lincoln, while a number of new outlets are in progress for 2015.

Overall the Society, which covers Lincolnshire and surrounding counties, recorded a £170,000 rise in profits to £18.1m during the 2013/14 trading year, with total sales reaching £286m.

Lincolnshire Co-op chief executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “We’re very proud of another successful trading year, Because of our strong profits we are able to reward our members with a healthy dividend, give a share of the profits to our colleagues and support many important community profits.”