The Ecology Building Society has announced continued growth and profitability in its results for the first half of 2002.

The Society, which specialises in green savings and mortgages, has seen its assets grow by 6.43 per cent to reach more than £42 million for the first six months of the year.

Over the same period the firm, which is based at Cross Hills, near Keighley, has seen its net profit increase 28 per cent to £124,543. Demand for the Society's environmentally friendly mortgages has also increased, with the firm announcing it has advanced £4.3 million to its customers over the period.

Paul Ellis, chief executive for the firm, said: "We are delighted with the performance.

"The figures reflect a growing appetite among many consumers for financial products which combine value for money with the feeling that they are doing something positive to help the environment."

All Ecology mortgages feature an environmental plus point, with customers borrowing money to renovate derelict buildings, buy sustainable materials or to build new homes using energy saving technology.

The Society was formed in 1981 with just £5,000.

It was formed to try and halt the spread of new housing onto agricultural land, and to try to help people wanting financing for energy-saving unconvent-ional housing.

It is set to move to new headquarters in Silsden next year.

The firm's new headquarters off Belton Road, Silsden, have been designed using the firm's green philosophy. Various energy saving materials are being used in its construction to create a state-of-the-art, modern, eco-friendly building.

Mr Ellis added: "Setting up a building society from scratch has taken a lot of grit and determination."