AUDITORS have praised the service that helps vulnerable people in County Durham live at home - and said it could get better.

The Audit Commission, which checks whether public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, awarded the service two stars out of a possible three and said it had excellent prospects for improvement.

The service, called Supporting People, is a Government-ordered programme that was launched three years ago to bring together housing-related services for people, such as battered women, drug and alcohol addicts, the disabled, the mentally ill, homeless teenagers and vulnerable elderly people.

Durham County Council is the lead authority with the seven district councils also involved.

The commission's lead inspector, Graeme Foster, said: "Durham is doing well and the programme is well-managed.

"Extending Home Improvement Agency coverage into Wear Valley, Durham, Chester-le-Street and Teesdale is one example of services becoming more widely available to vulnerable people.

"Another is the extension of floating support for teenage parents across the south of the county.''

The inspectors said £2m "efficiency savings'' had been made and recommended various improvements, including better information on services and more help for people to overcome difficulties in finding somewhere to live when they leave supported accommodation.