WETHERSPOON pubs across Dorset have been recognised in the Loo of the Year Awards.

The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision across the UK.

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

All of the toilets are graded silver, gold, platinum or diamond with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

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

Platinum ratings were awarded to The Moon in the Square, The Mary Shelley, The Parklands and Heatherlands and The Christopher Creek in Bournemouth, The Nightjar in Ferndown, The Man in the Wall in Wimborne, The Blackwater Stream in Broadstone and the Lord Wimborne and The Quay in Poole.

The Moon in the Square manager, Terri Balloni, 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 2020 managing director, Mike Bone, said: "The toilets at the nine pubs have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pubs richly deserve their platinum awards."