NORTH Yorkshire's local authorities have scored well following a detailed scrutiny by the Audit Commission of the services each provides.

Teams of independent inspectors spent a week with each district council, interviewing officers, councillors and the public before compiling a draft report.

The authorities were given a chance to comment on the findings in April before the final documents were issued this week, rating each authority as excellent, good, fair, weak or poor.

Hambleton was the only authority in North Yorkshire rated as excellent, with particular praise for its "competent" management team, its financial strength and its partnership approach.

"We are strong all round; it's not much good if we are good at some things but poor at others," said council leader Councillor Arthur Barker.

Scarborough and Ryedale were both rated as good, the former described as benefiting from "a cracking workforce".

The Scarborough authority was encouraged to work more closely with local people when developing its priorities.

However, chief executive John Trebble said: "This has been a true team effort by all our staff and without everyone pulling together we would not have got where we are."

Rydedale's rating reflected good communication with the public and the authority was praised for setting priorities that meet the needs of the district. However, it was pointed out the council could sometimes be clearer about its priorities.

"The result is good news for the authority and good news for the people of Ryedale," said chief executive Harold Mosley.

Both Richmondshire and Harrogate were awarded fair ratings with Richmondshire winning positive comment for its clear vision of the future.

However, there was criticism of the way in which council meetings were sometimes conducted, and it was suggested the authority had been slow to adapt modern political structures.

"We take the Audit Commission's comments fully on board and are pleased that the report contains no surprises," said chief executive Harry Tabiner.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Borough Council's fair rating was in recognition of good-quality service, provided by well-trained and motivated staff.

However, inspectors found the council could do more to engage the whole community.

"The report has made special mention of the fact that the inspection had come at a time when a new administration had just taken over," said council leader Councillor Mike Gardner.

"The Audit Commission knows we have been concentrating on the provision of high-class services while trying to keep increases in council tax down."