The FTSE Small Caps Index closes 0.2 percent higher, outpacing a flatjunior-listed FTSE AIM All Share Index but lagging a 0.7 percent risefor mid caps.
GW Pharmaceuticals rises 9.6 percent after the company's Sativexmedicine wins regulatory approval in Switzerland, with the stock further buoyedby brokerage Piper Jaffray's decision to start its coverage with an "overweight"rating.
Gas metering services company Energy Assets also rises, by 3.2percent, after securing a new 35 million pound ($56.64 million) fundingfacility.
However, political and economic tensions in Thailand - where anti-governmentprotesters have converged on ministries in demonstrations aimed at ousting PrimeMinister Yingluck Shinawatra - hit shares in Aberdeen New ThaiInvestment Trust which closes down by 3.7 percent.
($1 = 0.6180 British pounds)
Reuters messaging rm://sudip.kargupta.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net