BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has welcomed its latest rating from the Audit Commission after being graded as "performing well".

The survey on councils across the country looked at how well authorities give tax payers value for money.

Blackburn with Darwen scored three out of four, maintaining its result from last year, which showed the council was "consistently performing above minimum requirements."

Coun Mike Lee, executive member for resources at Blackburn with Darwen said: "The council has maintained its performance, earning three stars for the use of resources.

"Improvements to financial management and internal control are already under way and we would hope to improve on this rating in future." Elsewhere in East Lancashire, Pendle Council and Lancashire County Council scored top marks, while Ribble Valley Council remained on a score of three.

Hyndburn Council, Rossendale Council and Burnley Council all scored an "adequate" two, which was the same as they got last year.

The results of the survey was announced earlier this week.