Image copyright Getty Images

UK manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in more than four years last month, according to a closely watched survey.

The Purchasing Managers' Index index compiled by IHS/Markit hit 58.2 in November, the best level in 51 months.

The report said exports played a "big part" in the expansion.

Separate official data showed that inflows of foreign investment into the UK hit a record last year, boosted by several very large takeover deals.

The Office for National Statistics recorded inward investment of £145.6bn in 2016, up from £25.3bn in 2015.

The investment figures were lifted by some large deals that were completed in 2016, including:

The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016, but economists say that vote probably did not have much affect on these figures.

Paul Hollingsworth, UK Economist at Capital Economics, pointed out that the big deals were likely to have been planned well in advance of the vote.

He also said it was impossible to say if inflows of investment would have been even greater without the Brexit vote.

"I think 2017 could be the more challenging year for FDI (foreign direct investment), though, as Brexit draws closer," Mr Hollingsworth said.

'Mixed' outlook

The compilers of the purchasing managers' survey said the results indicated UK manufacturing had "shifted up a gear" last month.

At 58.2, the PMI index suggests strong growth as any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

"The domestic market remained strong but new export orders primarily from the US and Europe were a big part of this overall picture of success," said Duncan Brock, who contributed to the report.

But some economists question whether UK factories can maintain their current pace.

"The outlook for manufacturing appears mixed. Domestic conditions look challenging despite November's healthy orders," said Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the EY Item Club.