Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed that output in the region grew at 10 times the national average to more than £4.6bn during the period.

Construction in the region increased by more than £600m compared with the same period last year.

In addition, construction work on new housing in the North West increased by £386m in the quarter compared with the same quarter in 2017, while output of new infrastructure projects also rose.

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Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse minister, said: “It’s wonderful to see how the Northern Powerhouse is driving investment in the North West and helping grow the construction industry to the tune of over £600m.

“Anyone visiting the North West can see the huge number of construction projects underway and these figures show just how valuable they are.

“This construction boom is helping build new homes, new infrastructure and a stronger economy in the region.”