Local newspaper group Johnston Press, which owns the Portsmouth News, unveiled strong advertising revenue growth today.

The group, which last year bought Portsmouth & Sunderland Newspapers, said advertising revenues in the second half of the financial year were ahead almost six per cent on the same period last year.

This compared with growth of nine per cent in the first half of the year, with job advertising being the main driver of growth.

Overall, circulation of the group's weekly titles was stable, although the nine evening titles were showing small declines.

Tim Bowler, chief executive, said performance was reflecting market conditions. "What we are seeing is consistent with the industry pattern," he said.