RESTAURANTS in the Rochford district have been given the thumbs-up by food hygiene inspectors.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses on their hygiene standards which are based on inspections carried out by Rochford Council’s environmental health team, and 97 percent have scored three stars out of five, or better.

The restaurants are now allowed to display green and black food hygiene rating stickers on their windows and doors, so diners can see for themselves the cleanliness of businesses.

Richard Evans, the council’s head of environmental services, said the scheme made it easier for everyone to choose where to eat out.

He added: “Christmas is a really busy time for our local restaurants, cafes and pubs and we want our residents to have a memorable Christmas for all the right reasons.”