LANCASHIRE County Council says it welcomes a report that has branded its fostering services "inadequate".

A critical Ofsted report into the service found it to be flawed in meeting the needs of vulnerable youngsters, and served the council with a "notice to improve".

Inspectors slammed the council for not ensuring criminal record checks were carried out on people living with looked-after children, amongst other failings.

Marcus Johnstone, the cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We welcome this report, fully accept its findings and recognise the challenges it poses.

"Since receiving the initial findings in September, we have worked very hard to produce an action plan - which has been submitted to Ofsted - which addresses all the areas highlighted by the inspection.

"A cabinet working group has also been established to further investigate the findings of the report.

"We have a successful and proven record of continuous improvement and are confident that we can turn this situation around quickly "We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that all our children, young people and foster carers receive the highest possible level of support and will work tirelessly to ensure that this is the case."