DURHAM County Council social services has again been given two out of three stars by inspectors.

The Labour authority said the assessors have recognised in their comments that the service was improving.

The Social Care and Health Service - formerly social services - has, according to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), promising and excellent prospects for its children's and adult services respectively.

The council's acting director of social care and health, Debbie Jones, said service developments had been achieved in line with earlier CSCI recommendations and action being taken would result in further improvements.

She said: "I am confident that a maximum three-star rating is achievable in the very near future.

"This is a great result for service users and staff."

This rating follows a maximum three-star award to the council's education service and an overall rating by the Audit Commission as an excellent authority earlier this year.

Two years ago, the council's social services department was awarded only one star.

Following improvements, it moved up to two stars last year

The assessment said: "Its work in social care and health over the past year suggests an improving level of service in general terms, with some notable successes."

Its report found that support for people in their homes - measured by the level of intensive home care and delivery of equipment and small adaptations - was excellent or good. It also said the level of admissions of supported residents to residential or nursing care was excellent.

Sunderland City Council social services retained its three-star rating, putting it among the country's leading 20 providers.

Council leader Bob Symonds said the award was great news and that it reflected the council's commitment to making social services a priority.