A CAREERS service in the region has ranked top in the country in a new survey.

Figures published in the national Careers Service Performance Indicators report showed Stockton's Future Steps was top performer out of 68 similar services.

The results were based on how organisations performed against Department for Education and Employment targets.

Future Steps was set up in 1995 to offer career advice and guidance to everyone in Teesside. It is contracted by the Department of Education and Employment to give specific advice to young people.

Liz O'Sullivan, Future Steps' chief executive said: "They show we are delivering a service that is amongst the very best in the country. Our aim has always been to deliver the best possible careers service to the young people of Teesside and results like this only serve to strengthen our resolve."