The City of York Council's food and safety unit has won a top award in recognition of its hard work to combat fraudsters who cheat consumers of spirits like vodka and whisky.

The prize, awarded by the International Federation of Spirits Producers, was one of a total of 26 prizes being awarded to local authorities by the federation.

In the last year the council's trading standards officers have reduced the number of spirit fraud offences from four per cent to nil, as well as introducing various initiatives aimed at educating licensees of the problems of spirit fraud.

Colin Rumford, head of environmental health and trading standards, said he was delighted that their efforts had been recognised by the IFSP,

"The results confirm our belief that the overwhelming majority of businesses in the city are selling residents good quality food and drink."

Updated: 08:49 Wednesday, July 23, 2003