DORSET is the cleanest place to eat out in Britain, it has been revealed.

Restaurants, hotels and takeaways with a DT postcode – including Blandford, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton – have achieved the top food safety score for eating out.

The eateries have an average rating of 4.85 stars out of five, according to data gathered by Claims Direct.

Tamsin Horsler, Dorset Council's food safety team leader, said: “It's great news that Dorset food businesses are the cleanest in the country.

“We work closely with local business offering advice and guidance on food safety and training, as well as carrying out food safety inspections. We have already carried out hundreds of inspections this year."

The Bournemouth BH postcode area also scored highly, achieving an average food safety score of 4.71 out of five. This was higher than the national average, which was 4.52.