Business failures in the region fell by 60 per cent last month - the third monthly reduction in a row.

The number of receiverships and administration appointments in Yorkshire and Humberside stood at eight in June, compared with 20 in May.

The statistics were compiled by the Leeds office of professional services firm Deloitte & Touche.

Reorganisation services partner Angus Martin said: "These figures are very encouraging. They are the largest month on month fall this year and reflect, in part, the recent interest rate cuts."