Manufacturing picked up in February to record the strongest growth for more than a year, a new survey shows.

The survey, by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), showed manufacturing grew for the fourth successive month in February, with its index measuring 52.1, up from 52 in January.

On the index, a figure above 50 indicates growth while below shows contraction.

The CIPS said the February figure was the strongest growth since January 2000. Retail sales remained robust last month as optimism on the High Street hit its highest level since May.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said 55 per cent of retailers surveyed had seen sales volumes in February improve on a year ago.

While another 23 per cent experienced a fall in business, the resulting balance of 32 per cent was only marginally lower than the figure recorded for January.

The same study found a balance of 31 per cent of firms expecting business to improve over the next six months, compared with just two per cent in November.

The report found that while sales in February were above average for the time of the year, they were expected to stay robust during March.

A healthy 54 per cent of traders expect sales to go up in March, while 15 per cent say they will go down.

Grocers reported the largest increase in sales volumes, with stores selling durable household goods, booksellers and stationers also doing well.

Chemists, clothing and hardware stores reported smaller increases, with footwear and leather retailers seeing a sharp reduction in sales volumes.