UK manufacturing output in the UK rose for the third month running in January, up 0.2%, and encouraging hopes that the sector is in for a sustained recovery after some difficult times.

However, manufacturing fell slightly by 0.2% in the three months to January compared with the previous quarter, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

“Despite the quarterly fall the January figure suggests a strengthening of the eurozone economies and better things on the horizon,” said City analyst Colin Perry.

“Mining firms have been particularly active, while energy firms’ output decreased.”