UPDATE 1-Lavendon says trading in line but conditions tough

* Says group revenues down 5 pct year-on-year

* Revenues jump in Middle East, down 17 pct in UK

(Adds details)

LONDON, June 25 (Reuters) - Equipment rental firm Lavendon Group (LVD.L) said on Thursday it is performing in line with its expectations despite tough trading conditions in Europe.

Lavendon said group revenues fell 5 percent in the five months to end May and dropped 13 percent on a constant currency basis, with weakness in Europe partially offset by sales in the Middle East jumping 39 percent on the back of new supply contracts.

Low levels of industrial and commercial construction have hit revenues in the UK, which are down 17 percent compared with the previous year, said Lavendon.

This was echoed by British equipment hire company Ashtead (AHT.L) which said last week its full-year profits fell 22 percent.[ID:nLH858236]

Lavendon, which rents out powered aerial work platforms that enable people to work safely at heights, said local currency revenues in Spain are down 42 percent year-on-year, whilst rental revenues in France and Belgium fell 18 percent.

It added net debt levels have been reduced in line with its plans.

(Reporting by Lorraine Turner; editing by Julie Crust)