TROWBRIDGE-based telecom giant Virgin Mobile,says it is thriving despite a downturn in the industry.

Virgin Mobile is the UK's fifth-largest network with almost 1.8 million customers.

Despite volatility in the telecoms sector, on Monday Virgin reported a year on year growth of 19 per cent.

Virgin says that the advent of colour mobile screens will transform the market in the UK, and will boost the upgrade market.

The firm's chief executive Tom Alexander said, "Despite the economic chaos in the rest of the sector, Virgin Mobile shines as a sparkling exception. Our growth continues to accelerate, we've moved into profit, and we're looking forward to a brighter, more colourful future."