Mortgage applications at Yorkshire Bank have risen due to a range of initiatives to support borrowers.

The bank saw a 28 per cent increase in mortgage approvals in May and June compared to the same period in 2008.

It follows the bank’s pledge to make an additional £1 billion of new lending available to mortgage and business customers.

Gary Lumby, head of retail banking, said: “These initiatives underline our commitment to provide competitive mortgages and excellent service.

“These values have been met with a positive response from customers with continued growth in the number of mortgage applications we are receiving.”