NEW food hygiene ratings have been awarded to four Maldon district establishments, the Food Standards Agency’s website shows.

Two high street eateries were given the highest rating possible.

Sark Restaurant in Maldon High Street was handed a food hygiene rating of five in its latest inspection.

The Ship Inn in Burnham High Street was also rated a five.

>>> New food hygiene ratings for two Maldon district cafes

The Cricketers Of Goldhanger at The Cricketers Inn was also handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment earlier this month.

The Rainbow House takeaway in Mill Road, Maldon was rated just under these establishments with a score of four.

These new ratings mean that of Maldon's 66 pubs, bars and nightclubs with ratings, 51 have ratings of five and none have zero ratings.

>>> Inside the new tea room with a magical twist in Mayland

The standards agency states the food hygiene rating reflects the standards of food hygiene found on the date of the inspection by the local authority.

It adds the food hygiene rating is "not a guide to food quality".