Growth in the British economy has returned to its strongest position since before the start of the credit crunch, government statisticians have confirmed.

Fresh data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows the economy growing at an annualised rate of 3.2 per cent during the second quarter of this year. It expanded 0.8 per cent between April and June alone, ONS said.

The figures, which were slightly better than analysts’ expectations, put the UK in Europe’s driving seat with much of the rest of the EU experiencing slower growth or, in the case of Italy, suffering renewed recession.

Delving into the detail, the dominant service sector appears to be flourishing with 0.3 per cent growth in June alone. Manufacturing is a more mixed picture, however, and the sector remains 7.5 per cent smaller than its pre-recession size.

Martin Beck, a senior economic adviser to the EY ITEM Club, said the ONS estimate for second quarter growth could be revised up in coming reassessments.

“In light of the wide divergence between the official series and the business surveys for the manufacturing and construction sectors,” he said.

“An out-turn of 0.9-1.0 per cent would be more in keeping with these surveys. Recent history suggests revisions could reasonably be made over the coming year.”