Manufacturing output has grown at its fastest rate since 1994, according to April’s Markit/CIPS manufacturing Index.

The index rose to a 15-and-a-half year peak of 58.0 (57.3 in March).

Employment in the sector hit a three-year high as order book backlogs rose for first time in survey history.

The sector also saw marked gains in output and new orders, while the growth of new exports hit series record levels.