Top rating for social services

Derbyshire's social services have been rated among the best in the country.

The county has been awarded three stars in the Department of Health's new performance ranking.

It is only one of 16 out of 150 councils to gain the highest rating.

Councillors said the department had worked very hard to achieve the result.

Work acknowledged

The ratings are published following visits and independent judgements of performance across all areas of social services.

Out of the 51 indicators, the council's social services department was rated in the highest or second band in 41 areas.

Councillor Anne Western, county council cabinet member for social care and health, said: "We are extremely pleased that we are among the leading departments in the country.

"It is welcome that the hard work which has gone into the department from all the staff has been acknowledged.

"We feel we narrowly missed gaining three stars last year so this announcement is very welcome."