UK manufacturers expect production to continue rising over the next three months, a report has revealed.

A CBI Industrial Trends Survey said output remained above average in December, with growth in the motor vehicle and transport equipment sectors at a nine-month high.

The survey, which covered 485 manufacturers, found total order books edged up slightly, with export order books standing at a four-month high, despite worries over the Eurozone.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI director of economics, said: “The manufacturing sector is ending 2014 on a more upbeat note, having lost a little momentum earlier in the year.

“Export orders have improved, and output is expected to continue growing as we head into the New Year.

“However, the otherwise solid outlook for UK manufacturers is tempered by a challenging global backdrop.

“With Eurozone growth disappointing and some emerging markets facing a tough time, firms need to look harder for opportunities to ramp up exports to high-growth sectors across the globe.”