AN innovative menu aimed at providing students with a healthy diet has led to a Worcester college being awarded with a prestigious accolade.

Worcester College of Technology, in Deansway, has been granted the Heartbeat Award by the Health Education Authority and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health after passing more than 20 tough standards tests.

The college achieved the award for its menu, which offers its students a low-fat and salt-free options, including low-priced salads, pasta and reduced calorie desserts.

Anita Fletcher, principal environmental health officer for Worcester City Council, which nominated the college for the award, commended it and its catering manager Jackie O'Connor for its efforts to help students eat a healthy diet.

"Customers expect high standards and the award reflects that," she said.

"We are always working hard to increase and expand the number and type of premises holding the award from year to year, so we will be continuing with checks on hotels, pubs, schools and colleges.

"Award holders have to show us that they can not only meet, but also maintain the high standards that are demanded.

"We are looking for compliance with all relevant food hygiene legislation including maintenance of records for food temperatures and food hazards.

"We would commend Jackie and her team for being so innovative with their menus and helping to alter the changing pattern of diet outside the home environment."