THE first non-smoking caf in Darlington has been presented with an award for hygiene and promoting healthy food.

Wade's Coffee House, in Post House Wynd, became the first town centre caf to receive a Darlington Heartbeat Award.

The award is a council-run scheme supported by Darlington Primary Care Trust, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the British Heart Foundation.

It is awarded to businesses who maintain consistently high levels of hygiene and also promote healthy food options.

Councillor Stephen Harker said: "It is a tribute to the standards achieved by any business that earns a Heartbeat Award and it is particularly pleasing to have a town centre caf that can now offer its customers a smoking-free environment."

Business owner Ray Wade said: "We have received a fantastic response from our customers who are delighted that we are going completely non-smoking.

"Our business has always been committed to high standards of service and quality, it's great to receive this recognition."

Any food business interested in being considered for a Darlington Heartbeat Award can receive full details from Neville Newmarch, at the council's public protection division, on (01325) 388596.