A Government minister has praised the council for its progress in improving its children's services following a damning inspection.

Sutton Council's children's services were deemed inadequate by inspector Ofsted last year but now its rating has been upgraded to adequate prompting Edward Timpson MP, Minister of State for Children and Families, to offer his praise.

In a letter to Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of the council, Mr Timpson said: "I am writing to congratulate the council on its latest Ofsted inspection outcome.

"It is quite an achievement so soon into the improvement journey and my officials tell me that it is in particular down to the skill and dedication of your Director for Children and his leadership team over these last few months.

"It is essential that pace and focus on this agenda is maintained and even ramped up, and my officials tell me that this is exactly what you are doing."

Ofsted handed the council a notice to improve last June following a report that found managerial oversight at all levels within the children's services department. An inspection published this June praised significant improvement to the service.

Coun Dombey said: "Looking after the most vulnerable people in the borough is absolutely vital and we are very pleased that the improvements we have made are being recognised.

"However we are very aware that there is still a great deal of work to do and we will use both the Minister’s praise and the Ofsted rating to redouble our efforts as we strive to provide the best possible service for Sutton’s young people."