GATESHEAD Council's chief executive toured schools, leisure centres and a building site to congratulate council staff on the authority's success.

The Government watchdog, the Audit Commission, last week ranked Gateshead Council in the premier league of councils by rating it as excellent in its Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). To celebrate the achievement, Gateshead Council's chief executive Les Elton toured council premises and depots on the day of the announcement to congratulate workers on their efforts.

His tour took him to schools to see catering and cleaning services, a leisure centre to meet learning and culture employees, various local environmental services departments and to a building site where workers are building the Blaydon Sure Start centre.

Mr Elton said: "Over the past three years both Gateshead Council and the borough have changed enormously. We have transformed our approach to services and the style of delivery.

"Change is never easy but it is thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of employees that it has been possible."