Restaurant group City Centre has reported an “encouraging” second half to the year ended 31 December 2003.

Trading was buoyant and like for like sales for the full year to 31 December 2003 have maintained 3 per cent growth.

The Christmas and New Year trading period was also particularly strong for City Centre. During the 14 days to 4 January 2004, like for like sales were up 7 per cent.

Executive chair of City Centre, Alan Jackson, said: “We have traded well in the last year and continued to see buoyant trading as the year has come to a close. 2004 has also begun well.”