Barclays bank nearly doubled its profits in the first half of the year to £1.8 billion.

After the first six months of this year, profits at the bank were £875 million more than at the same time last year.

Barclays, which has seen much criticism this year for its closure of 171 branches, including four in Sussex, said its performance had been "strong".

It has also been criticised for its campaign to introduce charges for non-customers using its cash machines, on which it later backed down.

Chief executive Matthew Barrett said: "The first six months saw good progress in the overhaul of everything we do for customers to achieve superiority in service quality."

He added the bank had gained new customers across all its businesses.

Barclays said its figures were boosted by a £178 million profit from sale of its contract hire and fleet management business in June.

Profits had also been lifted from good performances in consumer lending, mortgages and savings. Its corporate banking division has seen an 18 per cent rise in profits to £541 million while its fund manager business, Barclays Global Investors, saw profits rise 18 per cent to £33 million.

However, profits from Barclaycard were flat at £195 million. The group added technology played an important part in its plans, which included its joint venture with internet service provider Freeserve providing online information to small businesses.

Technology would also allow it to provide services and information via mobile phones and interactive television.

The bank added the level of investment required over the next few years would be "substantial" .

Shareholders will pick up an interim dividend of 20p a share.