FOUR teams from Darlington Borough Council's education department are in the top ten nationally in education audits.

The Audit Commission survey of schools is carried out annually and this year four areas of work have been praised.

They are quality of financial information, quality of financial support and advice, programming and management of building projects, and educational psychology.

The ratings recognise good relationships, particularly in the area of finance.

In addition, the education department's team that covers management of building projects, including the country's first education village, has been recognised by the Department for Education and Skills for best practice and partnership working.