A NEW public toilet has won a top award in an annual Loo of the Year competition.

The £130,000 facilities in the Applegarth car park in Northallerton won a five-star rating from the judges of the contest, promoted by the British Toilet Association. It was opened last year, replacing a 27-year-old building, and is the first toilet block operated by Hambleton District Council to have an attendant, with each visit costing 20p. The block features a disabled toilet, shower and baby changing and feeding accommodation.

The award was one of seven prizes collected by the district council yesterday when the results were announced at a ceremony in Birmingham.

Cabinet spokesman on environmental health, Councillor David Blades said: "This is the first five-star award for any Hambleton toilet block so we are very proud of the achievement.

"The Applegarth toilets were built to a very high standard and have been very well received by the public. To be singled out for praise in this competition is wonderful for the council and for the band of attendants who keep them in pristine condition.

"It is also a fitting tribute to Liz Costick, one of our attendants, who sadly passed away last week."

Awards also went to the toilets in Swainby, Osmotherley, Bridge Street in Bedale, High Street in Stokesley, Park Square in Great Ayton and Market Place in Thirsk.