THE revival of Marks and Spencer continued yesterday as the group posted its biggest profits for nine years and revealed plans to create 10,000 jobs through further expansion.

Unveiling profits of £965.2m - an increase of 28.5 per cent - chief executive Stuart Rose said: ''The business is now in a pretty healthy shape. We need to now move into grow mode."

Mr Rose said expansion would help drive growth ahead over the next two to three years, as the company moves to extend its presence on retail and out-of-town parks, as well as overseas.

Analysts expect the company to break the £1bn profits barrier in the current financial year, the first time since 1998.