The Stanley Gibbons Group has reported a 20% rise in full-year pre-tax profit.

The company also reported that it has started 2008 with 'an increased momentum' thanks to increasing demand for its investment products. Shares were up 8p, or 4% in early trade to 204.5 pence.

The rare stamps and collectibles company posted a pre-tax profit of £4.5 million for 2007. That profit figure compares to £3.75 million a year ago, on a 21% growth in sales to £20.2 million.

Stanley Gibbons declared a final dividend of 2.75 pence per share, taking the total dividend for the year to 4.5 pence per share, from 4 pence in 2006.