A public toilet which greets users with music and fresh flowers has gained national success.

Attendant Michelle Stewart, 38, was highly commended for her efforts in the Loo of the Year 2002 competition.

People using the facilities at Morpeth Bus Station in Northumberland enjoy piped music, flowers and photographs of the town on the wall.

Ms Stewart even put up flags for the Queen's Golden Jubilee and every Christmas she uses tip money to pay for snifters of whisky and sherry for people using the toilets.

Secret visits

Local people were so impressed with her efforts, they clubbed together to buy her a TV licence, so she could watch the World Cup in her cubicle office.

Inspectors from the Loo of the Year competition - who made a secret visit to the toilets - gave them a three-star rating.

Ms Stewart, and husband her John, who also looks after the toilets, will be presented with a certificate at a ceremony in London.

She told BBC Radio Newcastle that she was delighted her efforts had been recognised.

She said: "Four years ago they were horrendous - you would have walked in and walked back out again.

"But with a lot of hard work, a lot of cleaning, a few homely touches and what a difference... if I say so myself, they are lovely loos.

"It's nice to win this award, it's brilliant.

"It is lovely to get this recognition and I will be putting the certificate on one of the walls of the toilets."