HOUSEBUILDER George Wimpey yesterday predicted it would make further gains this year, after revealing it had doubled its 1996 profits.

Pre-tax profits last year soared to £31.5 million sterling, from £15.6 million, against City forecasts of around £24 million. The company said it achieved an operating profit of £51.7 million, a 55 per cent rise and its highest level since the start of the recession in 1990.