A fourth prestige Charter Mark, the Government's award scheme for recognising and encouraging excellence in public service, has been scooped by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service - only months after the Government unveiled proposals to close down its control centre.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has maintained a Charter Mark since 1994.

Henry Smith , Leader of West Sussex County Council, welcomed the news of the Charter Mark award but voiced his concern at the prospect of losing the County's fire control room.

"West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are rightly proud of the recognition the Charter Mark gives. The service is committed to providing a customer focused public service and this award is proof of continuous improvement in all aspects of what a modern fire and rescue service does.

"However, at the same time as recognising the excellence of our Fire and Rescue Service the Government now wants to close down its control centre - along with nine other county based control rooms - and replace them with a single centre covering the whole of the South East.

"Our present control room is fully integrated into the day-to-day work of the County Council but some of the crucial work they do cannot be done by a regional control centre, being remote from the people it is supposed to protect. We will continue to urge the Government to think again," said Mr Smith.

A Charter Mark assessor spent three days assessing the service and met with stakeholders including staff and service users.

The assessment included visiting the scene of a fire incident in Worthing that was still being dealt with by emergency crews, and observing several community fire safety initiatives. The Service achieved two 'best practice' scores for it's work with young people and for working in partnership with WSCC's Social & Caring Services to identify safety hazards in the homes of elderly or vulnerable people.

County Fire Officer Martin Burrell said, "The Charter Mark award is recognition for the hard work and professionalism attained by all departments within the fire service.

"In particular the assessor complimented our work with young people and social services and we have agreed for this work to be featured on a national database so that other fire and rescue services can learn from our success."

David Dewdney , County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is to be congratulated for further extending its Charter Mark status, which is clear evidence of continuing high standards in customer service."