A NEWTON-le-Willows pub has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets – in the Loo of the Year Awards 2023.

The Nine Arches in Legh Street has been awarded a platinum rating by inspectors.

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

Loo of the Year Awards inspectors made 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, platinum plus 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.

The Nine Arches, a Wetherspoon pub, is managed by Fraser Winrow.

St Helens Star: The toilets were described as of very high standard The toilets were described as of very high standard (Image: David Webb)

Fraser said: "We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors."

The Loo of the Year Awards 2023 managing director, Becky Wall, said: "The toilets at The Nine Arches have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pub deserves its platinum award."