UK COAL, the country's largest coal producer, should see a four- fold increase in profits this year thanks to a steep rise in the value of its land.

By Danny Fortson UK Coal staved off the closure of its Thoresby colliery yesterday by signing a four-year supply agreement with EDF Energy. Without the contract, the mine had about 18 months of extractable coal left before it would have had to be shut.

By Duncan Tift Business Staff The UK's biggest coal producer said yesterday that it had almost trebled interim pre-tax profits as its move into property development helped to offset continued declines in deep mining.

By Karl West WITHIN the first five minutes I realise that Jon Lloyd is not like other chief executives. For starters, he came to pick me up himself from Doncaster Railway Station and secondly, UK Coal's new boss passes the sense of humour test with flying colours.

UK COAL is shaking up its top management team, and chief executive Gerry Spindler is heading for the exit. Spindler, 59, top man at UK Coal since 2004, will step down in September, to be replaced by Jon Lloyd,currently property director.