NINE businesses in Copeland have received a top rating for food hygiene.

Copeland Council has restarted its unannounced inspections of businesses in the area and out of 10 completed in July and August, all but one were rated 5, meaning hygiene standards are very good.

Among those highly rated were Let's Graze and Thompson's Bakery, in Frizington, Whitehaven's Sugar Tongue Cafe and The Bate Box in Distington.

Moresby Hall, The Village Pantry, in Seascale, Cleator Moor's Co-op, and Deano's Plaice in Millom also received the highest rating along with Brook House, in Boot.

Irton Hall received a rating of 4.

The National Food Hygiene Rating System is run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.

Copeland Council's team regulates all food businesses in the borough, inspecting them to ensure operations comply with food safety legislation.