The manufacturing sector has reported the biggest rise in growth in 15 years in January, according to data released by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

The CIPS monthly index rose to 56.7 in January, the highest level since late 1994. Any index score above 50 represents growth.

"The survey raises hopes that the sluggish recovery from recession signalled by GDP data in the final quarter of last year will have gained momentum as we move into 2010," said Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit.