SCIENTISTS at a water company in the south have been given top marks by a government watchdog.

Southern Water routinely tests for more than 100 substances to ensure the region's supplies are up to scratch.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate audited one of its labs which tests for the cryptosporidium parasite, which can cause stomach upsets.

It gave the firm's team a top score.

Barry Evans, scientific services manager for Southern Water, said: "The rules associated with the audit are very stringent so it was a real success for the company to be rated so highly."