A HAMPSHIRE restaurant has scooped a top award for hygiene from Britain's leading food safety inspection body.

The Clump Inn in Chilworth, pictured above, part of the Out and Out bar restaurant chain, was awarded the Food Hygiene Award by Checkmate International - an independent food safety organisation - in recognition for its commitment to delivering the highest food safety standards.

Clump Inn manager Martin Blanking said: "We are delighted that the Clump Inn has been recognised for its continued efforts to deliver superb levels of food hygiene and safety to diners in Chilworth. Food safety is at the core of our business and so I would like to thank the efforts of all staff for helping us achieve this fantastic award."