The resurgence of the co-operative movement continued this week with Scotmid Co-operative Society, the UK's fourth-biggest co-op, reporting a 49% jump in profits.

Pre-tax profits rose from £6.1m to £9.1m for the year to 31 January on sales up 7% at £333m.

CEO John Brodie said the society, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, had benefited from strong trading in its food and pharmacy businesses. Scotmid and Morning Noon & Night food stores had continued to make "good progress". "The continued improvement in trading gives us a firm base to help manage the society through the current challenging economic environment," he added.

The society is also ­planning to roll out its membership scheme to all its food stores by the end of the year following a ­successful pilot.