Ethical bank Triodos increased its lending in the UK by nearly one third in the first half of 2009, it has been revealed.

First-half-year figures from the lender showed that it had increased current lending to £223m, with a further £82m in loan commitments that have not yet been drawn down.

This £305 million total represents an overall lending increase of 29% compared with the same period last year.

Social lender, Triodos also reported a rise in customer funds held with the bank in the first half of 2009, up by 2.3 per cent to £347 million.

Bevis Watts, head of business banking at Triodos Bank, said: "While many banks have cut back on credit after the financial crisis, we have stepped in to fill the gap, resulting in considerable growth in our lending activity."

In July Triodos was voted the most sustainable bank of the year by an international jury appointed by the Financial Times and the IFC.