A COUNCIL-run scheme to help vulnerable people has been praised by inspectors just nine months after its launch.

The Supporting People Service has been awarded two stars (out of three) by the Audit Commission, a "good" rating with "promising" prospects for improvement.

The team, with Bury Primary Care Trust and Bury and Rochdale probation services, is spending £7.2 million on 110 services provided by 37 organisations.

The inspectors praised good joint working between the partner organisations and with the voluntary sector. This has created schemes such as extra care housing for elderly people, provided by Heathlands Housing Association and the council; support for people in their own homes, provided by Rachel House Trust, Bury Women's Aid, NCH and Bury Housing Concern; and supported accommodation for homeless people provided by The Housing Link.

Mr Roy Irwin, chief housing inspector, said: "We were particularly impressed by the creation of new services for vulnerable people in response to identified needs. The council has achieved a smooth transition to this new funding and planning regime and this is appreciated by service users and providers."

Further developments will include supported accommodation through housing associations for teenage parents, people with physical and learning disabilities, and those with mental health problems.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health and social services, said: "It is very pleasing that this new service has been established so quickly and so effectively and that inspectors have been able to give us such a positive first report."