Tills still ringing at Sainsbury's

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's today posted a better-than-expected 11.3% rise in annual profits to £543 million.

Total sales at the retailer, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary, increased despite the recession. Like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, rose 4.5% in the year to March 21.

The UK's third largest supermarket is sharing its £543 million underlying profit haul - up from £488m a year earlier - with its 120,000 staff. A bonus pot of £60 million is up from last year's £47 million payout.