YORK MP Hugh Bayley dropped into the city's ambulance HQ - and praised staff for an improved performance.

Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (TENYAS) this year received a one-star rating after a poor zero-star showing the previous year.

During a visit to the Shipton Road site, Mr Bayley said ambulance bosses should now set their sights on higher targets.

The Labour MP, who met trust chairman Dr Nicolas Varey and its chief executive, Jayne Barnes, said: "In 2003-4 TENYAS was an underperforming zero star NHS Trust.

"The staff at the trust have worked hard to gain one-star status this year and I congratulate them.

"I want the trust to continue to improve until they get a top-ranking three-star status.

Dr Varey said: "We are delighted that Mr Bayley visited TENYAS.

"We see TENYAS as playing a key role as point of first contact for the public and not just as an emergency service."

Updated: 10:34 Tuesday, November 09, 2004