A TROWBRIDGE pub has been put on a pedestal by achieving the highest possible rating in the Loo of the Year Awards 2011.

The Albany Palace Weatherspoon, in Park Road, has been awarded a five star rating by inspectors who turned up unannounced.

Since their creation in 1987 the independent annual awards have aimed to highlight and improve standards of “away from home” toilet provision across the UK.

The toilets were judged against numerous criteria, including decor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessible facilities, hygiene equipment and overall management and customer care.

At the Albany Palace, inspectors awarded the facilities a maximum five-star rating.

Gemma Thorburn, the manager at the Albany Palace, said: “I am delighted with the award.

“Staff at the pub work hard to ensure that the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.

“It’s a good thing. I think everyone always goes to check out the toilets in a restaurant.”

The toilets at the pub are checked by staff every hour and are throroughly cleaned twice a day, to maintain high standards.

Mike Bone, the managing director of the Loo of the Year Awards 2011, said: “The toilets at the Albany Palace are extremely good and the pub deserves its five-star rating.”

Every year, authorised inspectors make unannounced visits to more than 1,500 toilets at sites across the UK, in order to judge them.

The awards are promoted by the British Toilet Association.