Two Oxford City Council public toilets have won national recognition for high levels of hygiene.

Toilet attendants Linda Baker, left, and Ingred Fathers outside the Diamond Place toilets in Summertown, Oxford, which received a four-star rating

The toilets in Gloucester Green and Diamond Place, Summertown, were commended by judges in the 2002 Cannon Hygiene Loo of the Year Awards.

Both received four-star awards in the scheme, which attracted 1,000 entries from across Britain.

The top ranking is five stars.

The city council's executive member for the environment, Mary Clarkson, said: "I am especially pleased with the award for Gloucester Green.

"The council has worked very hard to meet the challenge of improving this facility in what is a busy area of the city.

"While it is gratifying to receive an award for two of our facilities, we can't pretend that all toilets in Oxford are up to the same standard.

"I know from council research that people want to see improvements in the city centre and next year we will launch a review so we can raise the standard of all public toilets in Oxford."

The awards follow a programme of public toilet closures last year.

Facilities in Abingdon Road, Woodstock Road, Knights Road in Blackbird Leys, Ashurst Way disabled toilets in Rose Hill, and South Parade in Summertown, were shut to save money.

Another two facilities, in Cripley Road, off Botley Road, and Blue Boar Street, were closed because of vandalism and misuse.

There are 23 remaining public toilets across Oxford.

In 1998, the council pledged to spend £300,000 to improve public conveniences.

The St Giles Street facilities were given new stainless steel cisterns and toilet pans, and new cubicle doors as part of the refurbishment programme.

The Loo of the Year Awards are recognised as the standard-setter for public washroom management.

Based on the findings of each unannounced judging visit, loos are awarded stars for their signage, access- ibility, dcor, equipment and fixtures and most importantly their cleanliness, overall management and customer care.

Gradings range from one star to five, with the best receiving five or four stars.