The UK economy grew at its fastest rate for more than two years in the three months to September.

Between July and September, the economy expanded by 0.7%, accelerating from the three months previously, official figures show.

The robust growth suggests a far more resilient economy than expected over the summer.

Strong growth in the services sector - which includes non-physical goods such as consultancy services and hotels and restaurants - helped drive the stronger growth.

Within services, computer programming registered its fastest growth for the past three years, helped by AI linked spending.

The boost from computer programming and consultancy services has been the biggest driver of growth so far this year.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the Office for National Statistics, said it was "possible growth could have been even stronger" if there hadn't been a war in the Middle East.

But he says households may not feel better off as a result with inflation and wages figures having a more direct impact on people.

"Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the figures were "welcome news".

He said: "Despite a year where events around the world have pushed up costs here at home, our economy is growing, bringing hope for the future.

The latest figures put the UK on course to be the second fastest growing economy across the major G7 countries which also includes Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and France.

However, Jake Finney, senior economist at consultancy PwC, cautioned that growth was likely to slow over the coming months "unless energy markets stabilise".

A sharp rise in energy bills is forecast for January, which is likely to hit consumer spending and confidence, he said.