A town centre kebab shop told to clean up its act four months ago has been given a five-star food hygiene rating.

The Ashford Pizza and Kebab House, in Tufton Street, scored just one out of five overall when council inspectors visited in December – ruling it in need of major improvement.

But Ashford Borough Council (ABC) revisited the site last month, and it has now been given the highest rating possible.

Food hygiene officer Gavin Richardson said: "The owner requested a food hygiene re-score revisit.

"It is common for people who care about their hygiene rating to ask for a re-inspection as they want to make the improvements.

"There are some who don't give a monkey's, but this place has improved; it really has."

In December, Mr Richardson found staff had left food on the store room floor, and told them to place it on the shelf instead.

He also discovered chicken was defrosted at room temperature, as well as finding out-of-date salads in the chiller.

Managers were also told they needed to make a better record of food safety, and keep the toilet door closed at all times.

Mr Richardson added: "They now have a manager who understands what the risks are.

"The management systems and hygiene have improved - he has got a self-closing device on the toilet door and he has gone through the list of things I left him last time.

"There is no food on the floor and the management systems and hygiene have improved."

Last year, the business, which is opposite the Phoenix, had plans to extend its opening hours until 3am approved by ABC.

It is open from 12pm to 1.30am Sunday to Thursday, and 12pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Owner Muhammed Rahman said: "We have worked very hard and I have done a lot of changes.

"I am proud to get the five stars and we will keep them now."