Brentwood Council is urging couples to check out the hygiene ratings of restaurants if they are planning to dine out over Valentine's Day.

The council said: "When picking somewhere to eat, you want to know that the business takes food hygiene seriously as you don't want any unpleasant surprises and spoiling the romance.

"One of the little things you can do for peace of mind is to check the hygiene rating first.

"The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme provides information about the food hygiene standards found by local authority food safety officers when they inspect food outlets to check they are meeting food hygiene law.

"The rating gives you an insight into the places you can't see - like the kitchen - and means you make an informed choice about where you eat, leaving you to enjoy your meal.

"To check the food hygiene rating simply look for the green and black rating sticker on the window or door, and if you don't see one, ask 'where's the sticker?'. Or you can check the rating on the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

"In the Brentwood Borough there are 619 food businesses taking part in the scheme, of which 97.46per cent are rated 3 or higher so there are plenty of places with good standards and you can easily avoid taking your special date to those not meeting the grade."

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Community and Health Committee, Councillor Will Russell, added: "No one wants a nasty surprise during or after a special meal out or to find out that the place you are eating at has poor hygiene standards.

"As well as checking reviews or recommendations, remember to check the hygiene rating too by looking for the green and black sticker or by checking online.

"And if you run a food business we're encouraging you to display your rating.

"We want to thank those who have worked hard to get a good rating and encourage those who haven't quite got there yet to endeavour to get one.

"It shows that you take food hygiene seriously, which will be good for business."