The FTSE 100 Index closed ahead for the first time in six sessions today as Vodafone dialled up a gain of over 4%.
Oil and banking stocks were also firmer and helped the Footsie combat nerves caused by the rising tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
Encouraging durable goods sales data in the US also boosted confidence among investors in a session marked by thin trading volumes.
And after falling by 22.5 points at midday, the Footsie closed up 23.4 points at 5175.3 - its first positive close since last Wednesday.