CHILDREN’S services bosses are celebrating after being hailed among the best in the country.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s children’s services have been rated as excellent by government watchdog Ofsted.

The council was one of just 10 authorities nationally to achieve the excellent status for its children’s services, despite facing some of the biggest challenges in deprivation and poor health in the country.

Inspectors praised strong partnership working and singled out the innovative Engage project, tackling child sexual exploitation in the borough, as an example of good practice.

Gladys Rhodes, strategic director of children’s services, said strong partnerships with other agencies that support children and families were a key factor in achieving the excellent status.

She said: “This achievement is all the more significant when you consider the many challenges we face in this borough, but we are never complacent and will continue to strive to improve outcomes for children and young people.”

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “At a time when children’s services nationally are under intense scrutiny and pressure, this is great news for the borough.”