THE catering service at Derwentside College is celebrating after winning an award.

People who work in the Food for Thought Restaurant have won the National Heartbeat Award from County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT).

It is presented to caterers who meet the highest food hygiene standards and offer healthy eating choices.

Councillor Dennis Lavin, portfolio holder for health at Derwentside District Council, will present the award to the college's catering manager, Sue Pearson, along with staff from the college restaurant.

Coun Lavin said: "Deaths from heart disease in our community are a lot higher than the national average for England.

"But by caterers in the area offering healthy choices to their customers, we will be able to work together to raise awareness and reduce ill-health.

"I would like to congratulate the catering service at Derwentside College on achieving this award."

The Heartbeat Award scheme in the Durham, Chester-le-Street and Derwentside area is supported by a partnership of public health and environmental health departments.

Coun Lavin said: "The award is achieved by providing customers with a choice of both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal low in both fat and sugar on a daily basis and promoting healthier snacks such as fruit rather than sweets and cakes.

"The menu and recipes of dishes providing healthier choices would have been rigorously assessed.

"The food hygiene standards were rigorously assessed by Derwentside District Council's environmental health team."