FTSE on course for highest finish since 2002

The FTSE 100 Index was on track to end the week at its highest level in three years today as the sky-high cost of crude boosted oil stocks.

Heavyweights BP and Shell both saw their market value rise by more than 2% - contributing to the Footsie surging 37.1 points to 5082.1 by mid-morning. The index last closed higher at 5085 in June 2002.