Alliance Boots has seen profits go above stg£1 (€1.17) billion for the first time.

The pharmacist and wholesaler posted trading profits of just over a billion euro in the year to March 31st.

That was nearly 13% up on a year earlier – helped by launches such as No 7 Protect and Perfect skincare.

The group has 55 stores in Ireland, employing 1,750 people nationwide – including over 120 pharmacists.