Skating facilities helped Derbyshire win a top mark

Government inspectors said Derbyshire County Council provides young people with a top quality service.

It awarded the service an overall 'good' rating. The county is only the second of 31 council youth services to have achieved the mark.

The Ofsted report found 96% of youth work in the county was satisfactory or better after its survey in October.

It also said the county council works well with other organisations to increase the range of activities for teenagers.

'Quality service'

Morale is good among staff who show a high level of commitment to their work, said the inspectors.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for community services, said: "This is an excellent report which shows we are offering young people in Derbyshire a good quality service.

"Staff are well trained and highly committed and the report reflects that.

"Young people in Derbyshire deserve a good service and Derbyshire County Council is working very hard to give them that."

The introduction of six mobile units, a mobile climbing wall and a skate and ride unit is helping encourage more people to get involved.

Inspectors said more needs to be done involving young people reviewing their learning, promoting good race relations and improving work with Connexions and the voluntary sector.