European stocks extend gains; banks rise

LONDON, April 29 (Reuters) - European shares extended gains in mid-morning trade on Wednesday with banks the major risers, led by Banco Santander (SAN.MC), which reported better-than-expected first-quarter results.

By 0952 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top shares was 1.1 percent higher at 809.99 points.

Banco Santander (SAN.MC), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA), UBS (UBSN.VX) and Barclays (BARC.L) were up 2.8-6 percent.

(Reporting by Joanne Frearson)