The FTSE 100 enjoyed gains on Wednesday morning as ONS data showed the UK economy had returned to growth at the start of the year.
GDP climbed by 0.2% in January, as construction output increased and the service sector grew, with the figures coming after the UK slipped into technical recession late last year.
Among companies, Metro Bank reported its first pre-tax profit in five years in a mixed report, which also noted an increase in cost-cutting targets.
Also reporting was Balfour Beatty, which soared after hiking dividend payments for the year and announcing a new buyback following stronger profits.
And finally, British American Tobacco said it had gained around £1.5 billion from the sale of a portion of its stake in Indian conglomerate ITC, with this set to fund buybacks.