SHIPPING services provider Clarkson has said its activity levels were particularly strong in December, with the sale and purchase arm performing "exceptionally" so.

The London company said its full-year results performance is now likely to be ahead of market expectations. It said that while global shipping markets remain challenging, it has seen an "encouraging" recent improvement in rates in some of its markets.

The company also suggested it was well-placed for 2014. Shares closed up 175p, or 9%, to 2174p.