SOFT drinks firm Britvic reported a 2.4% rise in UK revenues.

The company, which includes a bottled water business at Birkby, said UK sales totalled £430.9m in the 28 weeks to April 15 – driven by growth of 6.7% in fizzy drinks.

Group revenue rose by 1.7% to £641.1m, reflecting a 6.4% increase in revenues from Britvic’s French operations, higher sales of Fruit Shoot in the USA and expansion into new states, including Texas.

Total earnings were down by 6.9% to £41.9m in the face of rising costs in 2011.

Despite poor weather in April and early May, Britvic said it remains on track to meet full-year expectations.