British manufacturing activity strengthened in July - growing faster than France, Spain and Ireland - amid the second strongest rise in foreign demand in at least two decades, according to a respected survey.

New orders from the US, Canada, Asia and Europe helped to drive up production and employment, prompting factory bosses to continue a hiring spree.

IHS Markit said respondents to its purchasing managers index (PMI) survey cited a "significant boost" from new export business, in a sign that the weaker pound is helping to boost lift overseas demand.

Foreign demand rose at the second-strongest rate since records began in 1996 amid signs that investment is picking up and the global recovery is gaining traction.