VOLUNTARY and community groups play an important role in shaping children's services in County Durham, according to a national report.

Following a two-day assessment, the county was highlighted as one of only 11 areas of good practice in the country.

The Government-funded report, written by the national association for voluntary and community action, looked into the level of involvement of the voluntary and community sector in the development of children and young people.

Inspectors praised the development of the Durham VCS community of interest group as an effective way of enabling groups across the county to have their say on the development of children's services.

Councillor Claire Vasey, cabinet member for children and young people's services at Durham County Council, said: "I'm delighted that County Durham has been singled out as an area of good practice for its partnership with community and voluntary groups.

"These organisations do a lot of important work with children, young people and the wider community and they have a valuable contribution to make in the development of children's services.

"It can be difficult to engage with all groups individually, but, through the development of the community of interest group, we have been able to find an effective way of working together."

The county council is planning to establish a series of smaller, locally-focused groups.