A CAFE in the heart of Maldon was awarded the highest hygiene rating.

The Food Standards Agency awarded Maria’s Cafe on Washington Road, an eatery specialising in home cooked foods, a five star rating following a random spot check.

Husein Keklic, who has owned the eatery for four months, said: “It was fantastic when we got the news.

“We were only a three before so this is really nice to achieve.”