A fire service has room for improvement in several key areas, according to a report by Government inspectors.

The Audit Commission carried out a report looking at how West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is run and found it was above the average for similar fire authorities.

It looked at the way the service was organised and not whether it was effective at tackling emergencies.

Despite awarding the service a fair rating, the report found it lacking in a number of key areas.

It said human resource policy was weak, a number of key fire service management policies were out of date and the service was a long way from meeting its targets for recruiting female and ethnic minority staff.

Engagement with staff also needed improvement.

The service scored a rating of consistently above average to performing well in six out of the nine assessment categories in 2003/04.

Chief Fire Officer Martin Burrell said much of the report was very positive.

He said: "The designation of fair by the Audit Commission does not really reflect the rapid and wide-ranging improvements introduced into the service.

"We have an excellent record of dealing with emergencies and have an extremely high level - 95 per cent - of customer satisfaction.

"Naturally we will take on board any sections of the report that suggest we can improve in some areas to meet our own very high performance targets."

The report found the service had a long-term commitment to community safety.

Officers' leadership strengths were also singled out for praise, while the service was said to have clear modernisation plans.