British drinkers having their thirst quenched by Magners cider for the first time were today said to be behind an 8% rise in half-year revenues for maker C&C Group.

Food and drinks firm C&C Group today said profits had risen 6% despite bad weather and the public smoking ban.

Nervy investors were dealt another blow today as Irish drinks and snacks company C&C called off a planned €1.1bn flotation just hours before a deadline to sign up for shares.