Gains for mining shares helped the FTSE 100 edge higher.

A 2.3% rise for BHP Billiton and a 2.4% rise for Anglo American helped support the FTSE 100 which added 3 points.

Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group were the big losers, falling 3% and 2% respectively, after negative comments from analysts at Deutsche Bank.

Shares in Marks and Spencer fell 1.2% following reports that it plans to cut up to 500 jobs at its head office.

On the currency markets, the pound was little changed against the dollar at $1.3297 (£0.99).

It was 0.1% lower against the euro at €1.1907 (€1.00).