The popularity of the Slendertone slimming device shows no signing of abating with its Irish producers forecasting a 16% increase in sales this year.

Irish women are so concerned about showing their arms during the warm summer months, that nearly one third will wear long-sleeved tops to hide them, according to a new survey.

BIO Medical Research (BMR Group), which sells electrotherapy devices for the fitness and medical markets under the Slendertone and Neurotech brands, has reported a turnover of €46.6m and pre-tax profits of €5.7m for the year ending December 2005.

Further job cuts have been announced for the west of Ireland.

Singing star Charlotte Church today landed a showbiz title by the seat of her pants - being named ‘‘rear of the year’’.