HAMPSHIRE County Council has been awarded top marks by Government inspectors in one of the categories that makes up its overall annual rating.

Government watchdog the Audit Commission said that "overall the council is performing strongly, well above minimum requirements", and that it is "providing strong and effective leadership".

It praised its approach to issues such as waste, economic development and growth, and noted the council's "good track record in effectively managing its finances and improving value for money service".

However, it suggested that the council should review and update its relationship with charities and strengthen its human resources.

A separate review by Ofsted, another watchdog, rated services for children and young people in Hampshire as good, or three out of four, with some "outstanding" features.

Councillor Ken Thornber, the leader of Hampshire County Council, said that the ratings laid strong foundations towards the council retaining its four-star local authority status for the sixth year running.

He added: "However, we are not complacent and recognise that both reports make recommendations for the future and we will be developing plans to address these."