BEIJING, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Activity in China's services industry expanded in September at a slightly faster pace than the previous month, an official survey showed on Saturday.

The official non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 53.7 in September, compared to the previous month's reading of 53.5. The 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.

China is counting on growth in services to offset persistent weakness in manufacturing and exports that is dragging on the world's second-largest economy.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Richard Borsuk)