FOOD safety officers are encouraging residents to check restaurant’s food hygiene rating before booking meals out during the festive period.

Businesses in the town are rated on a scale ranging from zero meaning urgent improvement is needed to a top rating of five with officers recommending diners choose an eatery with a rating of three or more.

Clr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “While Warrington has one of the highest levels of safe food premises in the country, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is useful when you’re choosing where to eat out because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes.

“There are 131 eateries in Warrington that are rated three or better where you could enjoy a Christmas meal or party.”

Residents are advised to look out for green and black food hygiene rating stickers displayed on windows and doors or visit food.gov.uk/ratings.