Bank of Ireland has returned to the UK mortgage broker channel, and is set to start mortgage lending again under its own brand through a link-up with a group of estate agents.

Yesterday it launched a mortgage intermediary pilot programme which will see it sell mortgages in Great Britain through three estate agencies within the LSL Group. This follows the successful launch of "Bank of Ireland for Intermediaries" in Northern Ireland.

The UK pilot, through estate agents Reeds Rains, Your Move and Embrace Mortgage Services commenced on December 1st with a view to a wider intermediary roll-out throughout 2015.

Alison Pallett director of sales, Bank of Ireland UK Mortgages said: "I'm delighted to announce that the bank is taking its first steps back into the GB intermediary mortgage market under its own brand.

“This is in addition to the successful launches earlier in the year in Northern Ireland and Post Office for intermediaries in the UK. We aim to offer intermediaries greater choice for their customers, including mover, first time buyer, refinancing and buy to let products, all backed by Bank of Ireland’s long standing mortgage expertise.”