(Sharecast News) - The FTSE 100 was up 0.43% at 7,417.73 at 1450 BST.
The commodity-heavy index was boosted by gains in mining stocks, with Glencore, BHP, Rio Tinto, Fresnillo and Antofagasta rising.
Lloyds Bank shares were up as Britain's largest mortgage lender reported a rise in first-quarter profits, but warned of economic uncertainty ahead.
GlaxoSmithKline gained after beating first-quarter forecasts.
Aveva slumped 17% to the bottom of the FTSE 100 index after it warned that revenue hit from sanctions on Russia would impact operating profit.
Persimmon shares fell despite an upbeat trading statement from the housebuilder.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Glencore (GLEN) 476.65p 6.08%
Rio Tinto (RIO) 5,658.00p 5.32%
Anglo American (AAL) 3,465.50p 4.65%
Fresnillo (FRES) 802.80p 3.94%
Severn Trent (SVT) 3,144.00p 2.98%
Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,509.50p 2.79%
HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 486.20p 2.61%
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,779.60p 2.32%
Croda International (CRDA) 7,570.00p 2.08%
AstraZeneca (AZN) 10,530.00p 1.92%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Aveva Group (AVV) 1,898.50p -17.02%
Royal Mail (RMG) 335.70p -4.55%
Persimmon (PSN) 2,101.00p -3.62%
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 83.75p -3.55%
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) 944.80p -3.47%
Rightmove (RMV) 605.00p -3.29%
Schroders (SDR) 2,878.00p -2.97%
Ashtead Group (AHT) 4,192.00p -2.92%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 1,981.50p -2.82%
Ocado Group (OCDO) 924.00p -2.74%