Service sector surge boosts UK economy to four-month high

Bigger-than-expected rise in April follows similar improvements for manufacturing and construction industries

The UK economy has shown signs of picking up over recent weeks as strong demand from overseas helped offset moribund consumer spending at home, according to a survey that will welcomed by Theresa May's government as next month's election approaches.

News that Britain's services sector enjoyed its fastest growth for four months in April follows surveys earlier this week signalling similar improvements for the smaller manufacturing and construction industries. Together they will soothe fears around the UK economic outlook after official figures showed GDP growth slowed markedly in the first quarter.

Related: UK manufacturing records fastest growth for three years, figures show