A series of data sets from government and private sources have underlined the growing strength of the UK economy.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed UK GDP increased by a healthy 0.8 per cent in the first three months of 2014.

The figure makes the UK one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and suggest the economy will reach pre-recession size in Q2 this year.

Separately, ONS released figures showing retail sales growing at their fastest rate in 10 years, with 6.9 per cent more sales going through shop tills than this time last year.

Sales leapt 1.3 per cent between March and April alone, eclipsing analysts’ forecasts of around 0.5 per cent.

Research firm Markit said the Eurozone was also experiencing a return to growth with business activity expanding in May, although growth was slightly slower than in April.

Finally, the CBI said UK manufacturing output remained “solid” in May, with output expected to improve further in the next three months.

The groups Industrial Trends Survey, incorporating the experiences of 437 firms, revealed that order books were well above the long term average.

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: “Overall, the manufacturing sector continues to perform well. Output growth is on an upward trend, with firms expecting an even stronger rise in the next three months.