A TEAM of social care and health professionals from Hartlepool has won a regional award for modernising services.

The Hartlepool multi-link team was judged to be the best from about 250 entered in the category of services for older people.

Yesterday, Hartlepool Mayor Doug Ferriday presented the award to the team, which comprises Hartlepool Social Services, Hartlepool Primary Care Trust, and the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

The team helped about 1,000 people in the period 2000 to 2001, and enabled people to use therapy and rehabilitation services in their own homes.

It also contributed to more people being safely discharged from hospital earlier.