Gross advances from building societies rose by £1.15bn to £3.4bn in August, according to the Building Societies Association. Approvals of loans agreed but not yet made also rose to £2.76bn in August, an increase of £683m on August 2001. Adrian Coles, director-general, said: ‘Building society lending continues to rise through 2002. Attractive products, high levels of service and competitive rates mean net lending in August was three times higher than a year ago.’