William Sinclair performance 'in line with expectations' according to trading update released this morning.
The brief statement precedes the company's full-year results, which will be published in January. However, chief executive Bernard Burns said: "Trading for the 12 months to September 30 was in line with our expectations with relatively strong consumer demand being slightly tempered by retailer stock reductions.

"Due to the wet conditions throughout the north of England and Scotland during July and August the peat harvest was lower than expected but considerably better than in 2008. The company therefore expects to be able to meet customer requirements from its own resources without the need to purchase peat or substitute materials from third parties during the coming year.

"Discussions remain ongoing with Natural England over Bolton Fell compensation and we hope to be able to provide a further update along with our year-end results in January 2010."