TODAY this paper carries a report created by the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Community Foundation that provides a snapshot of life in this region.

More accurately, it provides an insight into the perceptions of people living in the region, against the reality of life here in Hampshire and on the Island.

It makes for interesting reading.

In some cases the perception is far gloomier than the reality. When asked about employment and the local economy, almost one in four were pessimistic. And yet in both sectors Hampshire is doing well.

The same results appear for fairness in our communities, when again the reality is far better.

When the foundation asked about housing and homelessness the situation was considered to be far better than it actually is.

And on the matter of safety there was a similar result, reality being worse than the opinions expressed by those who took part in the survey.

Of course this is just a snapshot, not a scientific analysis, yet it should motivate us all to consider ways that we can improve life even further here in our corner of England.