TRADING standards officers in Stockton have been named as providing one of the best services in the country.

The national figures measure performance across a number of key areas, including consumer and business satisfaction, inspection and compliance levels and staff training.

All but one of the latest results for Stockton Borough Council's trading standards department were above the unitary authority average.

The figure of 97.1 per cent for consumer satisfaction means Stockton is ranked third among all authorities throughout the country.

Business satisfaction was below the unitary authority average, but still well above the national target.

David Kitching, the council's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "I am delighted at the figures, which are a testament to the team's hard work.

"The figure for consumer satisfaction is particularly pleasing and reflects the fact we are one of only three local authority consumer advice providers in the country to hold the Government's specialist quality mark.

"We are constantly striving to improve performance, and the changes we have made in how we deliver our service, especially in the area of consumer advice, have paid dividends."

Councillor Paul Kirton, cabinet member for community safety and protection, said, "The results are all the more impressive, given that the actual cost of running the service is well below the unitary authority average.

"All of this helps illustrate why Stockton has been short listed for the council of the year award."