LONDON, Dec 22 — UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 climbed to its highest level in more than a week, as strong gains in energy and financial stocks offset worries about a decline in Britain’s economy.

The FTSE 100, which houses major export-oriented firms, rose 0.3 per cent, while the more domestically-oriented FTSE 250 added 0.1 per cent.

The energy sector climbed 0.6 per cent tracking oil prices that rose on tight crude stocks in the U.S., the world’s largest crude oil importer.

Banks added 0.3 per cent by 8:08 GMT.

Britain’s economic activity shrunk by a bigger-than-expected 0.3 per cent in the third quarter, as declines in manufacturing and construction dragged the headline gross domestic product figure down.

Among the losers, the real estate sector fell 0.1 per cent.

In company news, gas production at Shell’s Prelude floating liquefied natural gas site off Western Australia was suspended following a small fire. But, the oil giant added 0.6 per cent. — Reuters