DORSET'S social services are among the best in the country according to new league tables published today.

The county scooped a two-star rating for the job it does providing social care right across the board.

Dorset was placed in the top 20 per cent of local authorities nationwide and second best among all South West authorities.

Government inspectors say Dorset is serving most people well and shows promising prospects for the future.

David Joannides, director of social services, said today: "This is a very fair judgement and it is especially pleasing to me that we have achieved such a good rating for both children and adult services during the past year. This comes despite all the pressures that we have been under.

"I am proud of our staff who, in spite of difficulties, are determined to maintain a high quality of services to people who need them. I'm also grateful to all our partners and independent companies who help us design and provide the services."

Mr Joannides said the county's good showing in the tables has been achieved even though on average older people in Dorset attract 10 per cent per head less than older people in other similar authorities.

This is the first time social services league tables have been published and ratings range from zero to three - with only eight authorities in England scoring top marks. Dorset is one of 50 authorities out of the total 151 in England which puts the county in the top 20 per cent in England.

Star ratings are based on judgements made by the Social Services Inspectorate using evidence from inspections, joint reviews, monitoring and performance indicators and from now on they will be produced every year.

Coun David Crowhurst, the county's cabinet spokesman for social services, said: "I am pleased with this excellent outcome. It is a confirmation of the considerable commitment by all the staff involved."