ON the one hand you could be forgiven for thinking that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report tells us only what we already know.

As we report today, the research found plenty to celebrate, including a buoyant economy, low unemployment and crime and strong community spirit.

But that is only part of the story.

On the other hand the report performs a real service by highlighting areas where there is a gap between perception and reality.

Of greatest concern to those in power should be the findings that there is a growing gap between rich and poor, that as many as 15 per cent of children live in poverty and that there is a growing population of lonely older people, many living in isolated rural communities with limited access to services.

There also remains a lack of housing within reach of ordinary people.

For example you need to earn eight times the average annual salary to buy an average price home.

So life is good for many in Hampshire.

Our challenge is to make it better for even more.