British chocolate retailer Thorntons today said it was on course to meet expectations after a range of new products hit the shops.

BAA shares closed almost 3% higher as the £10 billion battle for the airports operator finally came to the boil today.

A strong performance from energy companies on the back of a rise in the price of crude oil ensured the London market regained lost ground today.

Food will feature heavily in the minds of market watchers next week as trade updates are due from supermarket chains Tesco, Safeway and Somerfield.