A deal worth £20m with the Nissan plant, in Sunderland, and a schools contract in Darlington have helped outsourcing specialist Mitie to predict a rosy future.

The group's share price rose three per cent as it said its trading performance remained good, producing growth in line with expectations.

The market outlook was also favourable with a good level of business opportunities, it said.

With results for the last financial year due on June 7, analysts have forecast pre-tax profits of £39.6m, up nearly £8m on last year.

Mitie also detailed contracts secured since its interim results, including deals worth £100m to provide facilities services in schools funded under the Private Finance Initiative.

The 25-year contracts are in Darlington, Dudley, Caerphilly, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Northampton.

The group has also been named preferred bidder for Argyll and Bute schools.

The wins will bring Mitie's schools facilities contracts to a total of more than £300m.

Another £90m is coming from a partnering deal with total property outsourcing specialist Land Securities Trillium, bringing the contract's worth to more than £200m.

Mitie expanded its operations last July by acquiring Eagle Pest Control and security specialist Trident Safeguards.

It also renewed a five-year contract to clean the House of Lords and House of Commons.