SHAREHOLDERS in the environmentally aware cosmetics and toiletries group, Body Shop International, will receive a massive 42 per cent boost in their dividend payment despite a fall in annual profits, the company announced yesterday.

Chairman and co-founder Mr Gordon Roddick pledged to give greater value to shareholders, promising a progressive dividend policy over the next two years. He confirmed he had ruled out taking the company private.

The group made £32.7 million sterling before tax in the 53 weeks to March 2nd compared with £34.5 million in the previous financial year.