The authorised share capital was £6.04m at 1st January 2008, 31st December 2008 and 31st December 2009.

The number of 5p ordinary shares in issue at the year end was 100,950,263 (2008: 100,807,146). During the year, 105,250 shares (2008: no shares) were issued as a result of the exercise of share options which realised proceeds of £0.7m (2008: £nil) and 37,867 shares (2008: 103,952) were issued as a result of awards vesting under the group’s performance share plan. The number of outstanding share options and other share awards granted are disclosed in the report of the remuneration comittee and note 13.