EVESHAM and Pershore Housing Association has been named as one of the top organisations of its kind in the country.

The national annual ratings report by the Housing Quality Network showed EPHA as one of only three top performing large scale voluntary housing associations.

The report, published at the start of the month, stated that out of 435 organisations just 18 were top performers - with EPHA making the grade three years running.

Ian Hughes, chief executive of Rooftop, EPHA's parent group, said: "To be rated once again as a top performer is indicative of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our staff, directors and board.

"Being rated in this elite group demonstrates that we are delivering a service that is customer focused and dedicated to continual improvement."

To qualify for top performance status a housing association is judged on its number of vacant homes, the time it takes for repairs to be completed and how long properties stand empty before being re-let.