Newspaper distributor John Menzies has seen a trebling of profits recently after a good first half performance.

Revenue for the six months to June 2010 was £924.0 million from £821.3 million and pre-tax profits was up to £20.6 million on aviation growth in its Cargo division.

The newspaper distributor made a large number of cargo deliveries despite the eruption of the Icelandic volcano as profits trebled on last year's weak performance of just £7.4 million.

The group's distribution of newspapers however saw profits grow slightly in line with expectations at 7 pct.

The Scottish company, operates Cargo for 27 countries, including Lufthansa/bmi at London Heathrow and now sees an improved FY performance for these after today's report.

Menzies - a 177 year old company - said that distribution of newspapers had once again been helped by World Cup sticker magazines which generate additional revenue.

Shares in the company rose 5.56 pct on the news.

FTSE