House prices in Yorkshire and the Humber have risen by 3.3 per cent to an average of just more than £60,000, according to figures from a leading bank.

The third quarter rise, more than the national average, takes the annual rate of house price inflation in the region to 7.2 per cent.

The figure for the area is now £60,030 with the average Bradford price at £54,700.

The Bradford price compares to an average 12 months ago of £49,000.

Figures from the Halifax show that despite the rise, the average homebuyer spends only 17 per cent of their gross annual income on mortgage payments, compared to a peak of almost 30 per cent in 1990.

Regional general manager Ian Corfield said: "In West Yorkshire, properties in more rural locations such as Baildon, Bingley and Keighley are selling very quickly.

"Wibsey has become a popular location, particularly for those who are unable to afford Bingley and Baildon prices."

He added that Skipton was another 'hotspot' in the region and said while there would be a slowdown in the rest of the year the market would remain healthy.

The most expensive houses in the region are in Harrogate with an average semi-detached property costing £117,200 while the cheapest are in Scunthorpe where the price is £44,900.