COUNCIL services for children and young people are likely to improve, according to a report.

An Audit Commission inspection rated Sedgefield Borough Council's youth-focused services as fair with promising prospects for improvement.

Inspectors looked at aspects of leisure, housing support, community safety, regeneration and training. Knowledge of local needs, high quality service provision, effective partnerships and commitment to improvement were identified as key strengths.

The council will draw up a charter setting out standards youngsters can expect, increase its support for a youth development fund and consult with youngsters across the borough.

A team from County Durham and Darlington Investing in Children is interviewing more than 100 young residents.

Councillor Agnes Armstrong, the council's lead member for supporting people, said: "Children and young people are the future of Sedgefield borough and the council is playing a full part in ensuring that they are given every opportunity to realise their potential."