UPDATE 1-Premier Oil sees production rise in first half

* Average production in line with expectations

* Lower oil price weighs on results

* Full-year production expectations are about 46,000 boepd

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LONDON, July 9 (Reuters) - Premier Oil (PMO.L) said on Thursday its estimated daily average production for the first half climbed 4.5 percent, helped by the acquisition of the North Sea unit of Oilexco Inc OIL.TO.

However, the producer said the average price received for its oil fell to $52.4 a barrel from $110 in the year-earlier period.

Average production rose to 39,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), from 38,000 boepd, and was largely in line with expectations, the company said.

The figure included the UK assets of Oilexco from May 21. Since this date, production has averaged 49,500 boepd.

Full-year production expectations are about 46,000 boepd, including the impact of the Shelley field, due on-stream in July, and the impact of summer maintenance.

(Reporting by Julie Crust; editing by John Bowker)