YORKSHIRE Water provides some of the best all-round customer service in the water industry, says an independent report.

Watchdog Ofwat ranked the company second only to Wessex Water.

Yorkshire Water, which supplies about 4.7m people and 140,000 businesses, achieved its highest-ever score.

It was rated strongly on a range of measures, including reducing pollution incidents and improving customer service.

Leaks from pipes have been cut by 50% over the past 10 years, while 100% of enquiries about bills are dealt with in five days.

The company's tap water is also rated as among the best in the country with 99.96% compliance with health-related standards.

Mark Penny, distribution and customer services manager for Yorkshire Water, said: "We are continually striving to improve our service to customers and this achievement is testimony to the hard work and enthusiasm of our employees.

"The results of this report are fantastic news and show that we continue to provide a service which is clearly ahead of many companies within the industry."