A KEY service has come through a tough Government quality check with flying colours.

Hartlepool Borough Council's social services department has been given a two-star rating by the Department of Health.

The verdict follows a rigorous assessment of whether councils are providing the most efficient, effective and economic service possible within social services.

This is the first time the departments have been given such ratings, which range from three to zero.

Only eight councils throughout the country received three stars, while more than half received only one star, and some received none.

The inspectors found most adults well served by social services in Hartlepool with promising prospects of improvement. Children's services were similarly judged to be promising.

Sallyanne Johnson, director of social services, said: "We are very pleased with this rating. It means that people who use our services can be confident in the care they will receive, and they and their carers can expect our services to keep improving in the years ahead."

Councillor Cath Hill, cabinet member for social and health care, said: "We won't rest on our laurels and we will keep striving to reach the highest possible standards."