AN increase in digital advertising at MailOnline almost offset the decline in print circulation for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

The website, which has 185 million monthly unique browsers and employs more than 600 staff, grew advertising revenues by 41 per cent to £62m, according to its annual results.

The growth meant revenue for Mail Businesses fell by just one per cent to £598m.

Operating profit for the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), MailOnline’s parent company which also owns daily deals website Wowcher and Metro.co.uk, rose from £300m in 2013 to £311m this year.

Wowcher also saw an increase in affluent, urban females joining its database, which has nearly surpassed six million customers.

Martin Morgan, chief executive, said the results demonstrated the company’s resilience.

Mr Morgan said: “DMGT has again delivered a good set of results, reflecting the benefits of our balanced and diversified portfolio of businesses.

“This growth was generated by the strength of our B2B companies and, within dmg media, the resilience of the Mail businesses, the benefits of cost saving initiatives and effective portfolio management.

“We have continued to refine and optimise our portfolio of businesses with further strategic bolt-on acquisitions, primarily within dmg information and Euromoney. We have also made some disposals, notably dmg media's digital recruitment business Evenbase, and the IPO of Zoopla Property Group.”

Despite steady results DMGT remains cautious about its outlook due to the uncertainty of print advertising.

Revenue for the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday fell by £26m, despite a 5p increase in the cover price of the Monday to Friday editions last February.

Daily newspaper Metro also saw revenue fall by three per cent to £75m, although it is read by 3.2 million people per day.

And net debt for the company increased by £30m to £603m.

Mr Morgan added: “The board remains confident that the Group is well positioned to deliver its excellent long-term growth prospects.”