Suttons library service has been described in a report as providing an excellent service that will continue to improve.

The report, published this week by the Audit Commissions Best Value Inspectorate, has awarded Sutton a double three star rating.

Sutton is one of only two library services in the UK to have been given the award for both its current service and for its ability to improve.

The document found that services to customers displayed many positive features in different fields from staff and books to other services such as internet access and council and community information.

An inspection team gave the service three stars because it responds well to the needs of customers who were largely satisfied by the library.

Inspectors also thought that Suttons service would keep getting better. They wrote: We consider that the service will continue to improve because there is a high level of member and officer commitment, with continuing capital investment in the refurbishment of buildings. The service has opened a new static library in 2000 and a new mobile library in 1999.

Trevor Knight, executive head of libraries said: I am delighted that our library service has been through a rigorous and robust review and has been declared an excellent service by the Audit Commission. Local residents have always been supportive of their service, and it is really rewarding that a national body acknowledges our success. Library staff, councillors and library users are major contributors to our success and can feel proud of this outstanding result.

Inspectors have set targets to help Sutton to continue to raise the standards of its service, including improving aspects which are less highly rated, like book location and stock replenishment. Another target is to encourage young adults and students to use the library more frequently inside and outside of school.

By.Tim Farmer