YORKSHIRE Building Society has reported a fall in its pre-tax profit.

The Bradford-based society has seen its pre-tax profit reduce to £92.3 million during the first half of this year, from £99.9m for the same period in 2016.

But it has reported an increased core operating profit by 35 per cent to £84.2m, from £62.5m in 2016.

It also helped 3,112 first-time buyers get on the housing ladder during this period.

It reported mortgage balances of £34bn and saving balances of £28.9bn.

Meanwhile, its total capital ratio increased to 18 per cent, an increase from 17.3 per cent for the same period last year.

It is achieved a gross lending of £3.4bn, down slightly from £3.5bn for the same period last year and a gross lending market share of 2.6 per cent.

Mike Regnier, Yorkshire Building Society chief executive, said: "In the context of a challenging and highly-competitive market, I'm pleased to report YBS has continued to deliver a healthy and robust financial performance.

"In line with our plans, we've taken a disciplined and measured approach, focusing on our core businesses of mortgages and savings.

"Our priority is to deliver long-term value for money and excellent customer service.

"We have strengthened our financial security through improved capital, leverage and liquidity positions and delivered a solid level of profit for a business of our size, which will be retained or reinvested in services."