A COUNCIL boss is urging Christmas diners to check the hygiene ratings of their chosen eating place before booking.

Assessments of cleanliness and health are published online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings and on a free phone app.

Business are encouraged to display a distinctive green and black sticker, rating from zero at the bottom (‘needs urgent improvement’) to a five (‘very good’).

Blackburn with Darwen Council environment chief Coun Faryad Hussain said: “With the festive season upon us we want to ensure everybody enjoys themselves without having to worry about the hygiene of the premises.

“With the food hygiene rating scheme residents can look before they book and make an informed choice about where they eat and where they don’t.”