WHEN your town centre is lacking any public toilets for its residents, the next best thing is to have an award-winning loo in the local pub.

Just as well then that the Queens Arms in Dene Drive has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets - in the Loo of the Year Awards 2017.

The Queens Arms has been awarded a platinum star rating by inspectors - the highest award possible.

The awards, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision across the UK.

Loo of the Year Awards inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK, in order to judge them.

All of the toilets are graded from bronze to platinum with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The platinum rating is given only to outlets which offer ‘exceptional toilets’.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

Kate Shaw, manager of The Queens Arms, said: “We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

The Loo of the Year Awards 2017 managing director, Mike Bone, added: “The toilets at The Queens Arms have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

“The pub richly deserves its platinum award – the highest individual award the judges can deliver.”