A NURSERY which provides meals for nearly 100 children has won a hygiene award.

Teacher Kathleen Healer started Castle View Nursery, in Chester-le-Street, 12 years ago and now employs 30 staff.

She set her sights on winning a clean food award from Chester-le-Street District Council's environmental health department, to demonstrate to parents the nursery's approach to hygiene.

She said: "We care for very young children here and some are with us for ten hours a day, so food plays an important part in their daily life."

Business Link County Durham contributed money towards the project.