WILTSHIRE County Council has been named as one of the top-performing local authorities in the country.

It has taken joint second place with Hertfordshire County Council and Wigan Borough Council in a league table based on social services and best value inspections.

The assessment also took into account an assessment of existing services and the ability of councils to improve performance.

The league was topped by Hartlepool Borough Council.

Wiltshire chief executive Keith Robinson was delighted and proud when he learned of the result of the survey, and felt it was a tribute to the commitment and dedication of all council staff.

He said: "We continually strive to provide excellent services within available resources to improve the quality of life for the people of Wiltshire.

"To have that work recognised nationally is very pleasing."