UK inflation rises for first time in 6 months

LONDON - The Associated Press

Inflation in Britain rose to 3.5 percent in March, the first hike in six months, official figures show.

The Office for National Statistics said Tuesday that higher prices of food and clothing helped drive up the rate from 3.4 percent in February.

Inflation had been falling steadily after peaking at 5.2 percent in September. The Bank of England has forecast that inflation could fall to the official target of 2 percent by the end of the year.