Shares in British banks were broadly up on the FTSE 100 in morning trading ahead of results from Barclays, expected tomorrow.

Trading volumes across the FTSE were relatively low this morning, as traders began an effective three day week, shortened by the Easter break and the Royal Wedding this coming Friday.

There was also little news for investors to get their teeth into, although results from BP and Barclays are expected tomorrow, as are first quarter GDP figures for the United Kingdom.

By 10:05 shares in Lloyds Banking Group were up 0.70 per cent to 60.32 pence per share, RBS shares rose 1.00 per cent to 42.22 pence per share and Barclays shares increased 0.75 per cent to 301.10 pence per share.

However HSBC saw its shares decline 0.62 per cent to 655.50 pence per share.

Overall the FTSE 100 was up 0.41 per cent to 6,043.21.