Shares in British banks were broadly up on the FTSE 100 in morning trading following strong gains in Asia.

Today Asian stocks reached a three-year high after U.S. stocks put in a strong performance at the end of last week.

By 09:45 shares in Lloyds Banking Group were up 1.99 per cent to 65.00 pence per share, RBS shares increased 1.17 per cent to 44.21 pence per share and Barclays shares rose 1.49 per cent to 312.70 pence per share.

HSBC shares however declined 0.31 per cent to 704.30 pence per share.

Overall the FTSE 100 was up 0.81 per cent to 6,045.73.