A COUNCIL service that helps disabled people live more independently has again won an award for excellence.

Durham City Council's Housing Adaptation Service has received the Charter Mark, having received the award, which lasts for three years, in 2000.

The service aims to help the elderly and disabled, by assessing their needs and providing equipment or adaptations to their home to help them to carry out everyday activities more easily.

The service's target for the completion of work is 90 per cent within three months but in the past year it has achieved 95 per cent.

The service is led by Barbara Gow, an occupational therapist, who carries out assessments for major adaptations assisted by Jeff Blackburn.

Mr Blackburn, a technical officer, is trained to carry out assessments for minor alterations.

"The service is a needs-led service provided for council tenants in Durham City who have difficulty carrying out normal daily activities because of age, illness or disability,'' said Ms Gow.

"Adaptations which have been completed during the past year range from a simple grab rail to help someone to manage the step outside their home right to the other end of the scale with a bedroom and bathroom extension to the home of a disabled child to assist his family to care for him more easily.''