Ultraframe, the conservatory roof maker which floated on the stock market last October, yesterday revealed plans to create 60 jobs.

The jobs, expanding the workforce of around 600, will come at the group's sites in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Bedford and Bristol and follows growing sales at home and abroad.

News of the expansion came as the Clitheroe-based company reported a sharp rise in maiden half-year profits.

Profits before tax for the 26 weeks to March 29 came in ahead of City analysts' forecasts at #6.9m compared to #3.7m in the corresponding period a year ago. Sales rose from #21.5m to #26m.

Ultraframe was one of the most successful flotations of 1997, joining the market at 147p a share. Since then the stock has rocketed to its 360.5p close yesterday.

Founder John Lancaster, together with family trusts, made #42m from the float, while the remaining 48% of shares they hold are now worth around #158m.

Ultraframe's success has been credited to its decision to concentrate on making conservatory roofs, rather than the less technically demanding sidewalls, and carefully protecting its products through patents. It already has 33 patents and has applied for another 17.

Chairman Don Greenhalgh said there had been strong growth and demand for its roofing systems in its main market, domestic conservatories in the UK.

And he added it had been ''pleasantly surprised'' by buoyant sales during the winter, helped by the unseasonally mild weather.

There was strong growth in the traditional PVCu market, as well as timber-framed conservatories.

During the period, the specialist sales team was expanded to beef up sales to overseas customers, with exports holding up in spite of the strong pound.

Greenhalgh said: ''The strong performance in the first six months of the year has continued into the second half and we are seeing healthy sales growth.''

Shareholders get a maiden interim dividend of 1.7p.