SOCIAL services in Bury have been given an improved score from independent inspectors.

The rating, awarded by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, could be enough to move Bury Council as a whole up another grade to 'good'.

The department has been confirmed as a 'two star' service, the same as last year, but at the higher end of the scale.

This is because the CSCI now believes that 'most' adults - up from 'some' - are being served well.

As last year, 'most' children are being served well.

Two years ago, the authority was rated only as a 'one star' social services provider: only 20 authorities in the country have gained or maintained the top 'three stars'.

Councillor Tim Chamberlain, executive member for social services and health, said: 'This council has been determined to reflect the changing needs of residents and provide more modern services. We have had to take some tough decisions to achieve that but we are now winning recognition for the success and quality of those decisions and the services are set to go on improving.'