The UK economy grew by 0.5% in the first quarter of the year.

The Office for National Statistics' (ONS) first estimate of economic activity shows a recovery from the 0.5% contraction recorded for the last three months of 2010.

The news alleviates fears of a so-called double dip recession.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had forecast growth of 0.8% for the first three months of this year.

Although activity in both the manufacturing and service sectors increased during the first three months of the year, construction - one of the worst hit areas in the last quarter of 2010 - was down by 4.7%.