A LOCAL careers service has been named top national performer across the board.

Teesside's Future Steps careers service came out best out of the five regional services in the Government's high performance tables. It beat all four of the headline targets, while only 32 out of 66 services nationwide achieved them.

David Stewart, Future Steps' careers service director, said: "The figures make very pleasant reading and are due to the professionalism and dedication of our staff.

"They show we are delivering a service that is among the best in the country. Our aim remains to deliver the best possible careers service to the young people of Teesside, and results like this only serve to strengthen our resolve."

Future Steps aims to equal or better last year's performance, and is working towards the introduction of a Tees Valley Connexions Service. It has appointed six trainee careers advisors to help it achieve its aims.