WILTSHIRE Probation Service has leapt up the national ratings, according to latest performance figures.

Figures released by the National Probation Directorate show the service, which covers Swindon, as the most improved probation area in England and Wales during 2003-04, rising from 41st to 13th out of 42 areas.

Chief officer Diana Fulbrook said: "I would not like the public to think we were not doing the right things with offenders before.

"We have become quicker and smarter at doing it and that benefits everyone."

Mrs Fulbrook said the success was down to staff's hard work and determination.

"This has been a team effort," she said.

"Everyone was really disappointed by the results this time last year and felt they didn't represent what was really going on in Wiltshire.

"We have been able to turn this around and now have been awarded with a position that better demonstrates what we are achieving."

The National Probation Directorate highlighted the Wiltshire service's work with victims and basic skill training provision as some of its main strengths.

"The team is proud of its success and I hope this will inspire further work on improvement," said Mrs Fulbrook. Wiltshire Probation Service hopes by re-developing its site in Chippenham further improvements will be made.