Firstdirect home funds

FIRSTDIRECT is offering an 'Equity Release Loan' to homeowners who want to borrow against the equity in their homes. The minimum loan is pounds 3,000. The funds cannot be used for business purposes. For Firstdirect customers and people who do not have a mortgage, the lending rates are equal to Firstdirect's mortgage lending rates - 7.95 per cent (APR 8.2 per cent) on loans below pounds 50,000. The loans will be offered at fixed rates. Other borrowers will have to pay a 2 per cent surcharge. Details from Firstdirect on 071 260 8000.