mortgage lending by Britain's banks surged last month, according to the latest figures.

The British Bankers' Association (BBA) said net lending for mortgages rose by more than £2.01bn during November, against £1.67bn in the previous month.

The increase is the largest recorded since August this year and was stronger than expected, particularly for the time of the year, the BBA added.

Detailed analysis on why the mortgage lending figure has risen so much is expected from the organisation next week.

The BBA added that credit card borrowing was at its strongest level for six months, although personal lending by banks overall weakened in November against substantial rises made during the previous month.

There was also an unexpected increase in the amount of money borrowed by retailers, which normally concentrate on repayments at this time of year.

Lending to non-financial companies was up overall, driven by £1.29bn worth of lending to property firms, said Tim Sweeney, director general of the BBA.

He said: "Lending to companies continues to be largely concentrated in the construction and property sectors, which have been buoyant throughout most of this year.