London's fire service has received high praise after scoring top marks in an assessment by an independent watchdog.

The report - the latest snapshot on the running of the 46 fire authorities in England - saw the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) get the highest overall rating in its 2007 performance assessment carried out by the Audit Commission.

The service was singled out for "performing strongly" as an organisation and over the last three years has delivered improvements in key areas such as arson reduction and deaths from accidental fires, the watchdog found.

Inspectors also reported a "commendable record of improvement in priority areas"

Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, said: "We have built on the successes of previous years and it's fantastic to see the improvements we've put in place recognised with this exceptional rating."

London was also singled out for praise in the areas of equality, with the capital rated the best authority for recruiting people from ethnic minorities.

While the report showed 3 per cent of the country's firefighters come from black and minority ethnic communities, London managed to recruit 10 per cent.

However, only 3.4 per cent of those recruited by London's fire services are women, well below government targets which stand at 15% by next year.