SOCIAL services chiefs in Bury are determined to build on the latest national performance rating.

The department has received a one star rating in the annual review by the Government's Social Services Inspectorate. The service has been told that it is serving "most" of its children well and "some" of the adults in its care.

Bury Council's Social Services spokesman, Cllr Barry Briggs, said: "It would be wrong to say we are highly satisfied with these findings, but we are content that we are now heading firmly in the right direction. With the changes that are currently being implemented, or in the pipeline, we feel sure our standards of service will continue to climb."