THE water around Hampshire's beaches is some of the cleanest in Europe with every one of the county's shorelines having passed stringent testing for the third year in a row.

Not only have the beaches, such as those at Calshot, Lepe, and Lee-on-the-Solent, passed the European standard for basic levels of cleanliness but they have all also scooped the more prestigious title of "guideline" standard, meaning they are an example to others.

Throughout the summer the bathing water just off the county's beaches was tested every week to ascertain how free it was from sewage and harmful bugs.

As well as testing the water's clarity, samples were examined for coliform bacteria and streptococci colonies emanating from sewage. The results showed that despite the summer's heavy rainfall which could have swept grime, dirt and bugs into the sea without it being processed, bacteria levels in the waters around Southern England are extremely low and considered safe.

It is the third successive year that Hampshire's bathing water levels have met the European Standard. Across the south all Britain's beaches scored at least "good" results with the majority receiving excellent' marks.

A spokesman for Southern Water said the results, including those from Calshot, Eastney, Highcliffe, Hillhead, Lee-on-the-Solent, Lepe, Milford on Sea, and Stokes Bay, showed how effective their investment had been in cleaning up the water they discharge.

Over the last 15 years the company has invested millions of pounds in new sewage treatment works to ensure no untreated water is discharged into the sea.

John Spence, Southern Water's Wastewater and Environmental Strategy Manager, said: "This was one of the wettest summers on record and run-off from roads and farmland or storm overflows entering the sea during heavy rain could have affected standards.

"We are delighted that, despite the rain, beaches in Hampshire have again met the European standards."

A spokesman for campaign group Surfers Against Sewage, said: "While cleaner water is good news, there is still a lot of work to be done.

"The sea is still being used as a dumping ground for all manner of toxic waste and rubbish. Only by ending all of this can we improve marine habitats and make sea-based activities safer."