BURY'S social services have jumped up the performance league and received a "two stars" rating from inspectors.

Bosses are celebrating the department's higher grading, which also comes with a "promising" verdict for further improvements.

Last year social services received a one star rating, itself a rise from previous years when it had been placed on Government "special measures" because of poor standards.

Only 16 councils in England received the top "three star" rating from the Social Services Inspectorate, while eight received zero stars.

The SSI concluded that the council was serving "most" children well, and "some" adults well, with "promising" prospects for improvement in both areas. Both these "promising" ratings are up on last year.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health and social services, said: "I am thrilled at this achievement which reflects the commitment of staff across the service to winning year-on-year improvements to the benefit of customers. The fact that we are rated good but with promising capacity for even further improvement is particularly pleasing."

The news comes weeks after the council's cultural services also received a two-star rating, and Government praise for its work in education and housing.

The council believes a number of improvements led to the two stars rating, including:

continued modernisation of services for old people, including alternatives to residential care.

good safe services for children at risk, and support for families in difficulty.

greater involvement of service users.

improved mental health services and reconfiguration of services to people with learning disabilities.

partnership work with colleagues in health, education, housing and the voluntary sector.