WHEN you’re spending some Christmas pennies this year, you could do a lot worse than go to Basildon’s Eastgate Centre.

The toilets in the shopping centre have been voted the best in the UK, beating some 1,700 other entries from businesses and Government departments.

Speaking from the ceremony, which was held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, Hans Wustefeld, general manager at the shopping centre, said he was over the moon to have won.

He said: “It’s like winning the cup at Wembley. I can’t wait to bring the trophy back to Basildon so everyone can walk past and kiss it.”

A major reason for the triumph was the loos’ green plumbing system, as the toilets use recycled rain water from the centre’s roof.

Mr Wustefeld dedicated the award to his team at Eastgate. He said: “I’m so pleased we have the best toilet facilities. My team has been working very hard for a long time to ensure our customers get the best service.”

The trophy will be given pride of place outside the loos in the catering area of the shopping centre.

Mother and baby changing facilities at the centre were also deemed to be the best in the country.