WILTSHIRE County Council's Social Services department has increased its rating in the latest performance tables.

It has upped its one star rating to two making it one of the best performing local authorities in the country.

But the Department of Health says there is still room for improvements in areas like children's services.

The national star rating for Social Services is based on 50 key performance indicators and each of the 150 departments have to return information each year.

As a one-star authority last year, Wiltshire was subject to more inspections than higher performing authorities, including close scrutiny of its children's services.

Inspectors concluded that only some people are being served well, but that there were promising prospects for further improvement.

In adult care services, inspectors said the majority are being served well and that there are also prospects for continued improvement.

Coun Christine Crisp, the cabinet member for children and families, said: "There were many positive comments about our children's services.

"The conclusion that we have promising prospects for continued improvement reflects well on how the changes within our children's services, which are now integrated with education, bodes well for the future.

"The changes we have introduced in these services are now being replicated across the country.

"It is good to see that the changes have been handled so well in Wiltshire."

Coun Judy Seager, the cabinet member for adult care services, said she was also delighted that the Department of Health had recognised the care, commitment and competence of Social Services staff across Wiltshire.

She said: "The assessment by the Department of Health of the good quality services provided by the county council for disabled adults and older people is a well earned star rating for our services."