Your trusted source

The leaders of Greece, France and Germany have agreed to intensify negotiations with Athens' creditors, but there was little sign of progress, the BBC reports.

After late night talks in Brussels, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said all the sides would work to "bridge" remaining differences.

The EU and IMF want further economic reforms before they release €7.2bn (£5.3bn) of bailout funds to Athens.

Greece faces default at the end of June if it fails to repay €1.5bn to the IMF.

Earlier this week, Athens submitted a revised reform plan to the EU and IMF, after Mr Tsipras rejected a set of reforms put forward by EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker.

It is believed Athens has conceded ground on VAT reforms, pensions and the country's primary surplus target.

Mr Tsipras is expected to hold further talks with Mr Juncker later on Thursday.

"We decided to intensify efforts to resolve the differences that remain and to move towards a solution," the Greek prime minister told reporters after his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande.

"The European leaders realised that we must offer a viable solution and the chance for Greece to return to growth," Mr Tsipras added.

Ms Merkel and Mr Hollande left the talks without making public comments, however a German government statement said the three leaders had agreed that the negotiations "must be intensified."