The UK economy is expected to grow at its fastest rate since World War Two this year as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
This is according to new figures from the Bank of England (BoE), which predicts gross domestic product (GDP) will expand by 7.25% in 2021.
This growth would be the strongest increase since 1941.
Meanwhile, the BoE also held interest rates at a record low of 0.1% at a meeting this afternoon.
The new forecast comes as businesses start to reopen as part of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Pubs and restaurants have already reopened for outdoor dining, while non-essential retail and hairdressers have also welcomed back customers.
More restrictions will be lifted on May 17 when indoor dining in hospitality businesses will be allowed, and places like cinemas and bingo halls will reopen.
Other economic forecast groups have also predicted that the UK economy will bounce back quickly from the coronavirus pandemic.
Goldman Sachs has backed stronger growth of 7.8% for this year, while EY ITEM Club predicts GDP will expand by 6.8%.
Other forecasts from the International Monetary Fund, Bank of England and Office for Budget Responsibility range from 4% to 5.3% growth.
It's widely agreed among forecasters that the UK economy will expand this year as it recovers from the coronavirus crisis.
Last year was turbulent for businesses as many spent months at a time closed - but there are hopes of the economy getting back on track thanks to the vaccines programme.
The tough measures saw GDP plunge by 9.8% over the course of the 12 months from January to December last year - the worst in modern records and wiping out seven years of economic growth.
The UK also plunged into its "worst ever" recession in 2020 as businesses continued to be shut down by the pandemic.
GDP was first measured in the aftermath of the Second World War.
But before this, the worst yearly fall was estimated to have been 13% in 1709 due to the Great Frost.
This was followed by a 9.7% drop in 1921 thanks to coal strikes, unemployment and the depression that followed the First World War.
