SERVICES in Wiltshire for people with disabilities are among the best in England according to a survey.

Wiltshire County Council took a sample of 300 service users as part of a national initiative, and the survey results nationally were compiled by the Department of Health.

In three out of ten questions asked, Wiltshire was top of all shire counties in England.

Ninety seven per cent of service users in Wiltshire said their lives would be much worse without help from social services or direct payments. This compared with 92 percent nationally.

Eighty nine per cent in Wiltshire said they could always contact social services easily if they wanted to, compared to 79.5 per cent nationally.

Overall, the county was among the highest scoring local authorities. The results will count towards the county council's star rating for adult and community services.

Judy Seager, Wiltshire County Council's cabinet member for adult care services, said: "I am delighted that users of these services are so pleased with the services they are receiving, and that Wiltshire has performed so well nationally."