EVESHAM and Malvern Hills College has been given a good report following its first-ever Ofsted inspection.

The college, formed in 1999 with the merger of the towns' two colleges, was inspected in December.

Its business and administration, computing and information technology and health and social care departments were all rated satisfactory.

Engineering, sports, leisure and travel, hairdressing and beauty and humanities departments were rated good.

Special praise was reserved for the foundation programme, which was judged to be outstanding.

Principal David Blades said: "I'm delighted with the report.

"The staff worked hard in preparing for inspection and it's great news for the college and the communities that we serve that we've received such a positive outcome."

The inspectors found the college's key strength included good pass rates and standards of work, good teaching and effective learning and good range of provision that responds well to local needs.