FTSE 100 closes at record high

London’s top-flight index climbed to record heights after shares soared at drugs giant AstraZeneca following a major breakthrough for a lung cancer medicine.

The FTSE 100 Index rose 48.76 points to a record all-time closing high of 7,435.39.

AstraZeneca said that trials of Imfinzi showed it “significantly reduces the risk of disease worsening or death” in lung cancer sufferers.

Shares in the pharmaceuticals giant jumped 9%, or 428.5p to 5,176p, after investors warmed to the potential of Imfinzi, which could help drive income at the firm.