unique records Access 2003

Problem: Eliminate duplicate values based on one field and still maintain the
availablity of otherfields for the retained record.

I sort on date to bring the most recent record to the top and then want to
eliminate the duplicates of valveID.

valveID Date
1 5-19-10
1 4-10-10
1 2-15-10
2 5-8-10 start point
2 3-15-10
3 5-19-10
3 3-15-10

_____________________

1 5-19-10
2 5-8-10 desired results
3 5-19-10


I have tried Unique value and end up with either ValveID only or no records
eliminated. Same for distinct

After the duplicates are eliminated I then need to do further
sorting/filtering based on date.

Thanks for the help.