The UK's manufacturers report that export order books have risen to the highest level in over three years, while expectations for growth are at a more than two-decade high, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

The survey of 423 firms found that export order books were the highest since December 2013, driven by a broad-based strengthening of which half was accounted for by the pharmaceutical and mechanical engineering sectors. Total order books remained firm in March, after strengthening to a two-year high in February.