Fifteen Copeland businesses have been praised for receiving the highest food hygiene ratings.

The Food Standards Agency has published the hygiene ratings of 21businesses in the borough.

The agency assess food hygiene at businesses serving food, in partnership with local authorities. Copeland Council carried out random checks on the businesses, awarding ratings from zero to five - five being the highest.

Those awarded top marks were: Brown Cow Inn, Waberthwaite; Mawson’s Mobile Ice Cream, Santon Way, Seascale; Richardsons, Lowther Street, Whitehaven; Lion and Lamb, The Square, Gosforth; Bailey Ground Hotel, Drigg Road, Seascale; Hartleys, Church Street, Egremont; B&M Retail, Bridges Retail Park, Whitehaven; The Vagabond, Marlborough Street, Whitehaven; Number 11, Market Place, Whitehaven; Casa a Roma, Queen Street, Whitehaven; West Cumberland Hospital Services, Homewood Road, Whitehaven; Old Captains House, Springfield Road, Bigrigg; Lakes, Cakes, Bakes and Fudge, Ulpha Napiers Butchers, St Bridget’s Lane, Egremont; and Solway Hall, Lowther Street, Whitehaven.

The following premises were awarded a four: Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Cleator; and Simply Food and Drink, Lowther Street, Whitehaven.

While four venues were rated three: New Hong Kong Express, Market Place, Whitehaven; King Wok, Gosforth Road, Seascale; Safis, Tangier Street, Whitehaven; Joe’s Kitchen, Main Street, Egremont.