MORE social services departments in the region are improving, a third round of assessments shows.

Three years after the Government introduced star ratings to measure the effectiveness of social service departments, more North-East councils have attained a two-star rating.

The ratings are based on regular evaluation and form part of an overall assessment of local councils.

Durham County Council, the region's biggest local authority, has moved up from one-star to two-star.

The award follows the Government's shortlisting of its services for the elderly for prized Beacon Council status.

Social services director Peter Kemp said he was delighted by this year's improved rating.

"The scale of improvement in just one year should not be underestimated," he said."It is no small feat, given the very complex and demanding issues which social services departments face.

"We have made improvements across the board, but particularly to services for older people, including those which enable them to stay in their own homes for longer, and others which minimise bed blocking.

"It is a tremendous reward for the effort and commitment of social services staff and, of course, the great thing is that it confirms our clients are receiving better services.

Gateshead Council's social services got two stars and Sunderland's social services department maintained its position of strength achieving the maximum three-star rating.

Social services director Glenys Jones, said: "Sunderland social services is delighted to have sustained our three-star rating for the second year."

Newcastle City Council's social services have been awarded three stars for the third consecutive time - one of only 16 authorities to be awarded the top rating.

Cabinet member for Social Services and Health, Councillor John O'Shea, said: "We have invested in improvements to social services and this excellent result shows that we are delivering on our promises."