PEOPLE living in Basingstoke are receiving top quality services from Hampshire County Council for the third year running.

The Audit Commission, an independent watchdog which makes sure public money is spent effectively, has rated Hampshire as "excellent" in its Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

This year's results show a rapid improvement across the region as councils are concentrating on key services, such as education and social services.

The annual assessment examines the way the county council is run and the performance of its main services.

This year, the county scored four out of four in both sections of the assessments, keeping it in the top 25 per cent of authorities in the country.

Each single-tier and county council in the South East has been assessed and the region shows no decline in any area.

Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of the county council, is delighted that their hard work has been acknowledged.

He said: "Being rated 'excellent' three years in a row does not mean we will become complacent. We will continue to work hard and in innovative ways to ensure quality services."

Cllr Thornber added: "We have maintained high standards to keep our 'excellent' rating and we shall continue our efforts to improve even further."

According to a spokesman for the Audit Commission, better management in councils, along with a focus on improvement in social services and education, are key to success.