A POPULAR Greenock street food vendor has won a national health award.

The Jax Snax van based in Drumfrochar Road has received the NHS Healthy Living Award for efforts to help local people get their five-a-day.

Gary Lewis, who runs the business with his partner Jackie Wilson, says they are thrilled with the accolade, and now proudly display the green apple logo on their van.

He said: “We are delighted with it.

“Surgeons from the hospital come to us for food every day because we offer a great range of healthy food.

“The customers tells us we’re the M&S of snacks vans, which is something we’re very proud of.

“We offer healthy dishes such as cajun style squid po’ boy, teriyaki salmon and creole steamed shrimp.”

Jackie added: “We were put forward for the award by Cathy, the environmental health officer who visits us.

“She noticed that we cook fish and lots of other healthy dishes.

“It’s great to win this award.

“People are more aware of their health these days and are looking for healthy alternatives.

“They are pleasantly surprised when they find out our burgers are hand-made and the only ingredients are meat and spices.

“We also offer wholemeal wraps and low fat mayonnaise and home-made salad.”

The kind-hearted couple also like to do  their bit for the community and recently raised £500 to help needy children.

They created a tasty turkey and haggis burger in aid of charity Every Kid Deserves a Toy Inverclyde.

Gary donated half of the £5 price to the charity and Jackie used the cash to buy up toys which were donated to it.

He said: “Our customers were very generous.

“The support was unbelievable.”