Britain’s leading share index posted its highest-ever closing level for a second consecutive day as miners again saw big rises.

Gold miner Randgold Resources surged 4.8%, topping the FTSE 100 index followed by fellow gold miner Fresnillo, up 4.6%.

They helped  the index close 0.2% higher at 7,120.26 points, just short of its all-time intra-day high of 7,129.83 points set 11 October.

The UK index is up 14% this year despite being held back by sluggish bank stocks.