The UK's manufacturing industry was dealt a blow yesterday after figures showed the rate of growth in the sector eased last month.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply's key activity barometer decreased to 53.7 in December, down from 55 the previous month, with any figure over 50 signalling growth.

The figures - which analysts described as "disappointing" - followed a weakening in official data last month.

The data was still better than that from the Government, which last month suggested the manufacturing sector was on the brink of recession - defined by output declining over two consecutive quarters.

John Butler, economist at HSBC, said: "Overall, despite the disappointing drop on the month, the survey is still better than the official data and in line with the average over the past year."

Roy Aycliffe, director of professional practice at CIPS, said the figures were still robust, with the rate of improvement easing only slightly.