THE good news goes on.

As this paper reports today, the area has benefited from £900,000 of Government cash as part of the Bridging the Gap initiative.

The funds are allocated through the Solent Local Economic Partnership (LEP) under a scheme that is backed by the Daily Echo.

Launched in our offices here in Southampton last year, the process has taken several months, but now the pot is being distributed among entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to boost the Hampshire economy.

What underpins the initiative is the job creation benefits to the region.

In this case some 130 jobs have been created initially, but the funding is very much seen as seed money helping to create businesses and initiatives that will grow and boost the prospects of employment for future generations.

The months and years ahead will be critical for these projects, of course.

Yet this paper is proud to have played its part in the growing success story that is the Hampshire eceonomy.

Boom not gloom indeed.