SOMERSET County Council is giving a four-star service, according to independent inspectors who have awarded it their highest accolade.

The honour was given in recognition of the excellent standard of service the authority provides for its 512,000 residents, ranking it among the best in the country.

Cllr Cathy Bakewell, leader of the council, said: "This report is an independent endorsement of Somerset County Council's ability to provide the community with the best possible services at the best possible value.

"Our journey from fair to good and now to excellent, with a four star rating, is testimony to the fact that, as an organisation, we are increasingly becoming more in tune with the wishes of taxpayers."