ADULT care services in South Gloucestershire have been praised by the Care Quality Commission.

The health and social care watchdog said in a recent report that the authority was performing excellently in the 'increased choice and control' category and performing well in the other seven assessed categories.

The commission said in its report: "South Gloucestershire Council has demonstrated progress in all of the areas for development following last year's annual performance assessment with a positive impact for people."

The report also recognised the efforts of councillors and staff.

It said: "It is acknowledged that the current strong leadership, both members and from officers, is crucial to the successful implementation of the transformation of adult social care agenda.

"There are examples of direct councillor involvement, which include: chair of the learning disabilities partnership board and attendance at the older people's advisory group."

Cllr Matthew Riddle, the council's executive member for community care and housing, said: "The positive report from the Care Quality Commission reflects the commitment and hard work of staff and I also want to praise them for the real difference that they make to people's lives.

"In particular, we are delighted that we have been rated the best in the region when it comes to helping residents exercise choice and control over the care they receive because this is a key priority for us."

He added: "I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, councillor Maggie Tyrrell, because the council would not have made the impressive progress that it has on older people's issues if it wasn't for the tough decisions that she took, which history has shown to be right for the well-being of residents."

Cllr Maggie Tyrrell said: "The staff in the department have faced many changes to the way they work and it is a tribute to them that this report recognises the amount of consistent progress that has been made over a number of years now."