A RUN-DOWN greasy spoon has been transformed into a bustling diner packed with hungry truckers – topped off with an award for healthy food.

Allan and Wendy Coxon admitted PJ's Transport Cafe "looked like Beirut" when they took over the Sudbury business two-and-a-half years ago.

But the Coxons – who both left jobs in the corporate world to take on the new venture – are celebrating a turnaround of the traditional drivers' cafe.

And the pair have now been awarded a gold award for the healthy options on their menu, which includes homemade lasagne and vegetable risotto alongside the usual bacon and egg.

The scheme – run by East Staffordshire Borough Council – judges levels of saturated fat, sugar and salt on the menu as well as the availability of fruit and vegetables.

Wendy, aged 40, said: "I've always known lorry drivers would like to have the opportunity to eat something different than just fried food. Everyone is searching for a balanced diet.

"We don't want to get rid of the full English breakfast but you don't always need to eat fried eggs – our fresh tomatoes and griddled sausages go down a treat.

"Truckers are used to everything being chucked in a fryer and coming out tasting the same. It seems they really appreciate our menu."

When Allan, aged 40, and Wendy first set their eyes on the eatery in 2007, they realised they would have a huge job to turn around its fortunes.

"It had been a real dirty greasy spoon and it had fallen into real problems financially," explained Wendy, who used to work at Fradley Park.

"We have spent many thousands of pounds changing the menu and making sure customers are served how we would like to be treated.

"Word of mouth has got around and now drivers come out of their way to pay us a visit."

The couple are now setting their sights on further improvements and will take over the management of the adjacent petrol forecourt next month.

And Wendy is relishing the chance to further enhance the restaurant's already growing reputation.

She said: "For years we have wanted to be our own bosses and it has been hard work with a few obstacles along the way.

"But we have absolutely loved the challenge and there is nothing better than seeing drivers going away completely satisfied."

And the changes have won the approval of the wagon drivers searching the highways for a place which doesn't serve up fatty grub.

A spokesman for professional drivers' organisation LGV-Pro said: "At last. PJ's is our first transport cafe member to offer wholesome food. They have led the way in healthy truckers' tucker."