(Sharecast News) - Rockhopper Exploration revealed on Wednesday that chief executive Sam Moody had acquired 36,744 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed oil and gas company.

Moody, who co-founded Rockhopper back in 2004, purchased the shares at an average price of 53p each, for a total value of £19,474.32.

Following the transaction, Moody holds a beneficial interest in 4.75m Rockhopper shares, representing approximately 0.55% of the company's issued share capital.

As of 1550 GMT, Rockhopper shares were up 7.54% at 74.20p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

Top Director Buys

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd (singapore Reg) (JAR)

Director name: Pan ,Lincoln

Amount purchased: 6,800 @ $74.80

Value: $508,640.02

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd (singapore Reg) (JAR)

Director name: Pan ,Lincoln

Amount purchased: 6,800 @ $74.60

Value: $507,279.99

Lindsell Train Investment Trust (LTI)

Director name: Lindsell,Michael

Amount purchased: 23,591 @ 632.25p

Value: £149,154.10

Rockhopper Exploration (RKH)

Director name: Moody,Samuel John

Amount purchased: 36,744 @ 53.00p

Value: £19,474.32

Touchstar (TST)

Director name: Jones,Lynden

Amount purchased: 7,804 @ 62.00p

Value: £4,838.48

Top Director Sells