A GOVERNMENT minister has inspected the region's only privately-run secure unit for children following a critical report.

Chief whip Hilary Armstrong paid her second visit to Hassockfield Secure Training and Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham, after a Social Services Inspectorate report criticised "disruption and turbulence", in August.

She said she saw a real improvement at the centre, which lies in her constituency.

The report said teaching was unsatisfactory, while spitting, swearing and missile-throwing were regular events.

But it added that there had been a significant improvement since a new team was appointed earlier this year. Derwentside police said they were called out less often.

She said: "What I saw was a real improvement in the centre since my last visit, particularly taking into account the fact that it deals with the most difficult young children within the system.

"I look forward to coming back early next year."

Hassockfield is managed by Premier Training.

Group director Trevor Wilson-smith said: "All the staff here really appreciated the fact that Hilary Armstrong took the time to come and see for herself just how much work is going into helping these troubled young people."