TWO Bolton pubs have won commendation for the quality and standard of their toilets in the Loo of the Year Awards 2018.

Wetherspoon pubs The Spinning Mule in Nelson Square, Bolton and The Robert Shaw in Market Street, Westhoughton, have both been awarded a platinum rating by the award inspectors.

Cheryll Kean, the Robert Shaw manager, 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 inspectors."

The platinum rating is only awarded to outlets which have "exceptional toilets” and is the highest award possible above the Bronze, Silver and Gold award ratings. Unacceptable toilets are not graded at all.

Inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilets across the UK and give them a rating.

Managing director of the Loo of the Year Awards 2018, Mike Bone, praised the two pubs on the standard of their washrooms. He said: "The toilets at the two 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 – the highest individual award the judges can deliver."

The criteria used to judge the toilets includes décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

The Loo of the Year Awards aims to encourage the highest standards in ‘away from home’ toilets and washrooms. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to upkeep our toilet standards from the providers and managers to the visitors and customers.

The awards, which are run independently, have been established since 1987 and have gained the support from the national tourism bodies of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Jersey.