The UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual rate of inflation seen a rise to 4.4%, up from 4% in January.

This was driven by higher food, fuel and clothing costs and was the highest level for over two years.

Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation - which includes mortgage interest payments - rose to 5.5% from 5.1% in January, the highest in 20 years.

The CPI measure has now been one percentage point or more above the 2% target for 15 months. It is the highest since October 2008, and will put pressure on the Bank of England to lift interest rates to curb accelerating inflation.