Social services bosses in East Sussex were singled out today for praise for huge improvements in child and adult services.

New performance tables give the county council's social services department two stars out of three.

Last year, the council had been threatened with intervention by a Government hit squad after getting no stars.

But the social services team managed to make big improvements without any outside help, according to chief inspector of social services Averil Nottage.

She said: "I am delighted East Sussex has moved from zero stars to two stars. That is a very significant achievement.

"The primary credit must go to the council but it also demonstrates the positive impact the inspections can have."

Inspectors said most children in the council's care were receiving a good service, along with some adults.

The prospects for improving adult services were promising and children's care was rated excellent.

Councillor Keith Glazier, lead Cabinet member for social services and health, said: "The Cabinet made improving services to older people its top priority and we invested millions of pounds to achieve this.

"This focus and the dedicated work by our social services staff have paid off and I am grateful to all our staff members who have worked so hard."

David Archibald, director of social services, said: "The council will continue to strive to provide even better services."

West Sussex County Council also scored two stars - the same as last year - with some adults and most children getting a good service.

Prospects for further improvement next year were rated as good.

But Brighton and Hove City Council got only one star, as in 2001/02. Some adults and children were getting good care. The future of adult services was promising but for children's care the service was rated uncertain.

The Government recently announced the city council is to pilot a new Children's Trust pathfinder project.

Social services, education and health services are to be merged into a single local body which could help to spot any early warning signs of abuse. The move will allow the services to pool money and staff and share information to offer better support and protection to local youngsters.

Nationwide, 60 per cent of the 150 councils now have two stars or more. Sixteen have three stars and eight have no stars, leaving them facing the prospect of intervention by a Government team.

Health Secretary John Reid said: "These figures are a vindication of two of our most controversial decisions. First, using performance indicators has driven the improvement of care through social services.

"Second, the money released by the tough decision on free personal care for the elderly better- off is being used to enable far more older people to stay in their own homes."