WILTSHIRE County Council has been named as one of the top-performing local councils in the country in an assessment of 148 councils across the UK.

The league table, published this week, was based on the results of inspections designed to assess best value and social services.

Hartlepool Borough Council topped the league, with Wiltshire County Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Wigan Borough Council in joint second place.

Wiltshire chief executive Keith Robinson 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."