Net lending for 2013 was £84m up by 30% from £59m in 2012.

Total mortgage balances increased by 8.7% to £674m and the society reported it had not incurred any mortgage losses.

The group made a profit after tax of £3.21m while its assets reached a record high of £853m.

Compared to 2012, profit after tax rose by 29% while assets increased by 5%.

Last year was the society’s 150th anniversary which chief executive Kevin Wilson described as a “milestone” year for Leek United.

He added: “The society’s profit levels have been controlled sustainably in line with requirements for all financial institutions to increase their capital strength.

“As a result of this, our very strong capital position provides continued protection of our members’ interests.”

Wilson said the society model was an essential component of the future of financial services in the UK and an alternative to the major high street banks.