The economy jumped ahead in the second quarter of this year, picking up pace after six months of sluggish growth.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the economy registered growth of 0.9 per cent in the second quarter, in line with expectations.

The rise followed a prolonged period of near stagnant growth.

Gross domestic product measured 0.1 per cent in both the first quarter of this year and the last quarter of 2001.

The figures were the ONS's first estimate of the second quarter numbers and could be revised.

Analysts said the rise was partly on the back of a stronger manufacturing sector.

Ross Walker, economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "It was an expected rise, partly because of what's happened on the manufacturing side of the economy.

"Even if we get a fall in manufacturing numbers for last month, the sector is set to be out of recession."

The risk, however, was the second quarter economic growth could be the strongest of the year - partly because there was a rebound from stagnation and also because of weakness in the equity markets.

Mr Walker said: "The quarter has almost been overtaken by events. People are more worried by quarters three and four."

Industrial production was estimated to have grown strongly from the previous quarter, with manufacturing output estimated to have risen following more than a year of falls.

Output of the services industries was estimated to have grown more strongly than in the previous quarter.

The services sector was estimated to have grown by 0.6 per cent, up from 0.2 per cent the previous quarter.