One NorthEast currently offers the best services of any Regional Development Agency (RDA) in the country, according to an evaluation by the National Audit Office.

Each of England’s nine RDAs is performing "well" or "strongly" - the best commendations available - the latest Independent Performance Assessment report reveals.

One NorthEast scored 22 out of a possible score of 24 in a two-week inspection in September 2006, in which north-eastern businesses were questioned and the organisation’s staff interviewed.

The agency was praised for its "excellent track record of achieving both financial spend and output targets" as well as for its "strong vision".

"The positive result is as a tribute to the strength and effectiveness of our board, the hard work of our skilled and dedicated workforce and how we have worked with partners to regenerate the region," beamed One NorthEast chairman Margaret Fay.

All but two of England’s RDAs achieved a score of 20 or above in the survey and each now has improvement plans in place, based on the results of the audits.