THE body that enforces food safety in County Durham has been given a clean bill of health.

The Food Standards Agency, the Government watchdog that oversees food law enforcement, carried out an audit of the county council's trading standards service.

The audit found no major areas of concern and asked for only two minor improvements.

Phillip Holman, the county council's head of trading standards, said: "As well as a desktop review of our performance, some 'reality checks' were carried out, and a number of food businesses were contacted for their views on the assistance we provide.

"The audit was very intensive and looked in detail at our general planning, management and delivery performance."

Councillor Don Ross, deputy leader of Durham County Council, said: "We continually try to improve consumer protection and confidence in relation to food, and audits such as these are all part of that process.

"It's reassuring for the people of the county, and for ourselves, to come through such an audit without any areas of major concern."