ADULT learners on Teesside are getting a better education and service, college inspectors have said.

Government watchdogs said they found Hartlepool's Adult Education Service (AES) had improved in many areas since its last inspection, and found that all aspects of the service were satisfactory or better.

The service, which is managed by the local education authority, was examined by the Adult Learning Inspectorate last month as part of a national inspection programme.

The inspector's report said the standard of teaching and learning had improved since the previous inspection and that the standard of learners' work was good.

Councillor Ray Waller, of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "This is an encouraging report and demonstrates that the Adult Education Service is continuing to make good progress."