HEALTH chiefs have vowed not to be complacent after getting top honours in a government rating.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley Trust was given the maximum three stars in the NHS Performance Rating, becoming one of only four in the North West to get top marks. Only 35 in the country out of 170 acute trusts were awarded similar. Burnley Healthcare Trust was given two stars.

But despite the honour -- on which health minister Alan Milburn personally congratulated it -- Trust bosses said they would not bask on their glory.

Trust chief executive John Williams said: "Our philosophy is one of continuous improvement -- we are always striving to make things better and reduce waiting times. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things go. When this happens it is important that we learn lessons and make improvements.

"The award of three stars is excellent. We will not, however, be complacent but will continue to improve services and make them more patient centred. We will also continue to reduce waiting times."

The ratings -- only introduced this year by the Government -- were given after each Trust was assessed on 21 different criteria including waiting times and cleanliness.

Each Trust will receive a share of a £155 million performance fund with top performers like Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley Trust, given more freedom on how to spend it.

Those Trusts that did not perform too well will be given guidance on how to spend their share by the NHS Modernisation Agency.