Record exports drove a significant reduction in Britain's monthly trade deficit in October, setting a "solid base" for growth in the final quarter of the year.

Exports of goods rose by £2.1bn to £26.8bn in October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This is the highest level since records began in 1997, and was boosted by strong goods exports to non-EU countries, which jumped to a record £14.4bn.

The increase also pushed up total exports of goods and services to a record level of £46.4bn, though this was driven solely by goods.

Recent surveys suggest the fall in the value of the pound since the Brexit vote has helped exporters to become more competitive.

However, Hannah Finselbach, a statistician at the ONS, said there was only "limited evidence so far that the depreciation of sterling has led to a marked increase in UK exports".

The rise in exports also drove a record £3.8bn narrowing of Britain's total trade deficit between September and October to £2bn, although this was also helped by weaker imports.