A RESTAURANT that trains women in prison for careers in hospitality has won a prestigious award.

The Clink restaurant at HMP Styal was named Cheshire Restaurant of the Year at the Cheshire Life magazine Food & Drink Awards.

The restaurant was up against stiff competition in its category, which was sponsored by HG Stephenson catering equipment.

Linden Store, of Minshull Street, Knutsford and Groobarbs at High Legh were runners-up.

The moment The Clink Restaurant team heard they'd won the awardThe moment The Clink Restaurant team heard they'd won the award (Image: Kurt Thomas)

A video of the finalists was shown to 230 guests at the black tie event in Carden Park.

The awards, sponsored by Touched Interiors, were hosted by Suzan Holder.

Excitement as The Clink Restaurant team celebrateExcitement as The Clink Restaurant team celebrate (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

This author, journalist, television presenter is a Cheshire Life columnist and wife of rock star Noddy Holder.

The 12 categories honoured the cream of the hospitality industry across the magazine's circulation area.

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Editor Joanne Goodwin said: “The restaurant of the year was a fiercely contended category.

“But the judges were unanimous in their choice of The Clink, both for its great food offering and its terrific work in training women in a wide variety of skills, many of whom go on to secure jobs across the hospitality industry when they leave HMP Styal.”