BRITAIN has avoided suffering an unprecedented triple-dip recession - with MPs in Worcestershire saying they are “relieved” about the better-than-expected figures.

Despite widespread fears about another slump, the economy grew by 0.3 per cent in the first three months of this year.

The data means the UK has narrowly pulled itself back from the brink and has avoided a third recession since the economic crisis hit in 2008.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “It is better than many people feared, but I still want to see much more growth.

“Fundamentally, we are talking about statistics but what really matters to people is, are jobs being created and is the economy providing them with opportunities to work.

“Whether it’s 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 per cent we just want to see a robust economy, that’s what we need to get back to.

“Of course the figures are a relief because it shows we are not shrinking, but we want to see more growth.

“I heard this week there is £36 billion of spare capacity in the economy from late payments to small businesses - it’s that sort of thing we need to look at.

“If the Government announced a new spending package of £36 billion people would stand up and take notice.”

Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, said: “In terms of what ordinary families are experiencing, it doesn’t make much difference, but symbolically it is very important to the wider economy.

“I still believe that later in the year we will see some better growth - I talk to lots of companies and some are struggling, but others are doing rather well.

“Sustaining a level of growth is really important.”

The figures, announced earlier today, are a first estimate from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It shows the snow which fell in many parts of the country did not have the terrible economic impact many people feared.

The cold snap boosted demand for energy, which some analysts suggested it helped improve the overall picture.

There was also a strong boost from the transport, storage and communications sector, which saw growth of 1.4 per cent, while the services sector expanded by 0.6 per cent.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: “The economy has now grown by over one per cent over the last nine months.

“Over half a million new private sector jobs have been created in the last year.

“I am sure everyone will be pleased to see jobs and growth created by all the businesses working hard to succeed in a competitive world.”

But not everyone agreed - with one Worcester man who lost his job eight years ago voicing his frustration at being unemployed.

Lance Barrett, aged 57, of Ripon Road, Ronkswood, used to work at the old Kays factory as a warehouse operator.

“I’m having a hell of a job getting any work at all, it is so frustrating,” he said.

“I get bits of work here and there but nothing permanent, and it doesn’t pay the bills.

“I’ve got food, rent, electricity to pay and I’m getting nowhere. It’s no good.”

While sales in the retail sector fell in January and March, a strong February helped it notch up growth of 0.3 per cent overall in the quarter.

The figures will relieve some of the pressure on Chancellor George Osborne to rethink his austerity policy, following recent warnings that the UK is a "crisis economy" and last week's ratings downgrade.

But fears remain over the strength of the recovery, with key sectors such as construction and manufacturing still well below the peak in 2008.

Construction activity plunged by 2.5 per cent in the first quarter and still remains 18.1 per cent below pre-financial crisis levels.

Production and manufacturing edged 0.2 per cent higher at the start of the year, but are also significantly down on 2008 - by 13.4 per cent.

Mr Osborne said: "Today's figures are an encouraging sign the economy is healing.

"Despite a tough economic backdrop, we are making progress.”