GDP up 0.3% as UK avoids triple-dip recession

The better-than-expected figure means the UK has been pulled back from the brink of its third recession since the financial crisis struck in 2008, reversing a 0.3% contraction in the final three months of 2012.

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The figures showed the impact of the snow at the start of this year was not as bad as feared, with weather-hit trading on the high street offset by a boost in energy demand as households ramped up their heating during the cold snap.

Chris Saint, from investment specialist Hargreaves Lansdown, says: "Despite the mildly positive GDP outcome for Chancellor Osborne, this does little to alter the bleak overall picture. The economy remains 2.6% smaller than at its 2008 peak, which compares unfavourably with many of the UK's peers."

There was good news for holidaymakers, as the pound rose following publication of the figures.

Now, £1 will get you $1.54, compared to under $1.53 at the start of the day. Meanwhile £1 buys just over €1.18, up from just over €1.17 earlier this morning.

Chancellor George Osborne says: "Today's figures are an encouraging sign the economy is healing. Despite a tough economic backdrop, we are making progress."