DURHAM and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT) successfully achieved all nine of its key target areas to earn top marks in its first major ranking test.

It was one of only a handful of trusts to score a three-star rating in its first assessment by the Commission for Health Improvement, since coming into existence in April 2002.

The trust oversees health care in the community, from local GP surgeries, clinics and health centres, as well as home visits. Trust chief executive Andrew Young hailed the performance of health staff as a significant factor in achieving three stars. But he said the trust was committed to maintaining its high standards in coming years.

"Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT is delighted to have received a three-star rating in its first assessment by the commission.

"We already knew that local hospital, mental health and ambulance services had been highly rated. Now, this level of achievement for the PCT recognises the excellence and dedication of all our family practitioners and the professionalism of our staff. We are really pleased for them all.

"It will be tough to maintain this standard, but I know that all those within the local NHS who have played a part in this success, will do their very best to ensure the PCT goes from strength to strength."