Flushed with success, McDonald’s Gravesend and Dartford restaurants have won Loo of the Year.

Franchisee Paul Shaw and his team were awarded platinum and gold statuses for the restaurants’ toilet facilities, which were judged on a range of criteria, including signage, decor, fixtures and fittings, air quality as well as standards of cleanliness.

His stores are on New Road, Gravesend, London Road, Greenhithe, and in the Priory Shopping Centre, Dartford.

The annual independent Loo of the Year Awards are widely regarded as the Oscars of the public convenience world.

Previous winners include the Bognor Turners restaurant at Butlins, West Sussex and the Asda supermarket in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Mr Shaw said: “We prioritise making every aspect of a visit to McDonald’s of the highest possible standard.

“We believe that everyone deserves clean, safe and well-appointed toilet facilities. We ensure that these high standards are across the board, catering for everyone including disabled visitors and parents with small children.”

The independent awards have been identifying the best toilets in Britain since 1987, making it a standard setter for all those who provide facilities for staff and customers.

Loo of the Year contenders can be nominated by anyone - staff, customers, visitors, managers, owners or contractors.

Following nomination, the entries are critiqued by an independent Loo of the Year Awards inspector with 106 points to be ticked off a check list.