The number of unemployed people is falling faster in Watford than in Three Rivers or Hertsmere.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics showed the number of adults out of work in the town had dipped back to levels similar to 2010, following a sharp increase in recent years.

Meanwhile figures in neighbouring boroughs and districts remained high following the surge in joblessness since around 2008.

The trend was welcomed by Watford MP Richard Harrington, who raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Question Time this week.

Following the exchange he said: "This month has seen a significant fall in unemployment in Watford and this is a trend that I hope will continue.

"The signs are there showing that businesses are feeling more confident in the local and national economy and are looking to take on new staff or create apprenticeship schemes within their company."

Figures from the ONS showed unemployment dropped to around 2,800 in March this year down from a high of 3,400 in March 2012.

However the figures are still significantly higher than before the financial crisis started in 2008 when unemployment in the town was at around 1,900.

In Three Rivers unemployment has risen from around 1,500 in 2008 to peak at about 2,800 last year. The latest figures showed it had dropped marginally to around 2,700.

It is a similar story in Hertsmere where joblessness rose from 2,400 in 2008 to a high of 3,200 in 2011. The most recent stats showed a small decrease to around 3,000 this year.

However Dacorum also showed a big drop in unemployment last year. It too has seen its jobless numbers swell from around 2,600 in 2008 before peaking at 4,900 last year and then dropping to 4,200 this year.

Mr Harrington attributed the decline in Watford businesses becoming more confident.

The Conservative added: "This is good news for Watford and I am delighted that events like my Jobs Fair are able to help local people find the jobs that are available to them.

"The economy continues strengthen in response to measures introduced by this Government and businesses are growing in confidence.

"If the brilliant companies we have in Watford keep on taking on a few extra staff I have no doubt this will not be the last month we see unemployment falling in our area and being praised by the Prime Minister."