The price of gold hitting about $3,500 in April has bolstered profits at pawnbroker Ramsdens as people clear out their jewellery boxes.
The chain, which has 169 UK stores, reported a surge in income from its precious metals service and jewellery shop.
Pre-tax profits rose 54 per cent year-on-year to a record £6.1million in the half-year to the end of March.
Total revenue rose 18 per cent to £51.6million with proceeds from precious metals up by nearly a third.
Ramsdens buys unwanted jewellery and then either sells it in stores or to a bullion dealer.
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