Johnston Press has seen advertising revenues fall by 2.3 per cent in the first five months of the year, the group has said today.

In a trading update, it said that the rate of decline has continued to diminish despite a "very slow" Easter holiday period and the adverse impact of parliamentary elections in Scotland, but that property had remained the only print category of advertising to grow year-on-year.

It said the overall decline in employment had slowed, with some regions seeing growth, and whilst revenues continued to fall in motors, display and other classifieds categories the declines were less than those experienced in the second half of last year.

Advertising revenues in the Republic of Ireland grew by 10.5 per cent in the first five months of 2007, while the group's digital revenues continued to grow - up 34.7 per cent in the same period.

Circulation revenues are ahead of last year, as are contract print revenues which have benefited from external contracts being printed at the group's new press at Dinnington.

A group statement said: "The revenue performance and outlook is consistent with that anticipated by the Board at the start of the year and therefore we would expect a satisfactory outcome for the year as a whole."

The group's interim results are due to be announced in August.