A COUNCIL leader today praised staff at her authority's pioneering children's service after they scooped one of the most sought-after public sector awards.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Early Years Excellence Service is the only one of its kind in the country.

It provides nursery and outreach services for pre-school children and their families across the borough.

The service has scooped two awards in the Guardian newspaper's Public Sector awards, including the top spot for best public sector provider.

At the borough's network of one-stop children's centres families can access pre-birth support, nursery education, childcare, health services, information and advice for parents or carers, family support and access to learning with help into employment, where required.

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of the council said: "Blackburn with Darwen is always keen to encourage scrutiny and the Guardian award gave us an opportunity to have our children's services assessed by independent judges.

"Blackburn with Darwen is the only pathfinder Children's Trust in the country delivering an integrated borough-wide early years children's service."

The early years service operates as a trust with pooled budget and resources incorporating the Council, Primary Care Trust, East Lancashire Hospitals acute services, Job Centre Plus, Sure Start and private and voluntary providers.

It's aims are to improve the health of children and reduce health inequalities, reduce youth crime, reduce the number of looked after children, contribute to community cohesion, improve employment rates and impact on child poverty.