NEW food hygiene ratings have been awarded to six of St Helens’ establishments, the Food Standards Agency’s website shows.

The ratings, given in January, represent a positive start for the year for local food and drink venues.

The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so people can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.

5 – hygiene standards are very good

4 – hygiene standards are good

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – some improvement is necessary

1 – major improvement is necessary

0 – urgent improvement is required

The businesses inspected recently in St Helens scored either 5 or 4.

Restaurants, cafes and canteens

The following ratings have been given to three restaurants, cafes or canteens:

• Rated 5:

The Dam Bar & Grill at Garswood Old Road, St Helens; rated on January 25

• Rated 5: St Peter's Church at Broad Oak Road, St Helens, Merseyside; rated on January 16

• Rated 5: Limassol Restaurant at Limassol Taverna, 17 Baldwin Street, St Helens, Merseyside; rated on January 12 Pubs, bars and nightclubs And two ratings have been handed to pubs, bars or nightclubs:

• Rated 5: The Ship Inn at Blackbrook Road, St Helens; rated on January 25

• Rated 5: Haresfinch Rugby Community Club at Haresfinch Rugby And Community Club, Haresfinch Road, St Helens; rated on January 18

Takeaway

• Rated 4: Gelato Royale Express at 2 Mccormack Avenue, St Helens; rated on January 19