A family-owned Indian restaurant in Middlesbrough says it has taken "swift action" after being handed a zero-star food hygiene rating. 

Kanthari, on Marton Road, has been told that "urgent improvement is necessary" following an inspection on July 23 this year. 

The "beloved" restaurant was rated "major improvement necessary" for both the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and the management of food safety, which looks at checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat. 

The hygienic food handling at the site - which includes food preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage - was rated "improvement necessary". 

A spokesperson for Kanthari said the team has "duly acknowledged" the feedback from the inspection, and has since taken "swift action to implement all necessary changes to achieve a five-star rating".

It is now awaiting a re-inspection, where it hopes to achieve five stars. 

Kanthari - which has been dubbed as the "best dining experience in town" - has a 4.4-star rating on Google Reviews with praise for the "delicious" food and "warm" hospitality. 

One happy customer previously said: "The restaurant offers tasty cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a restaurant worth visiting!"

A full statement from Kanthari said: "I wish to address the recent rating of zero that has been assigned to us by the inspection officers, along with the articulated requirements for improvement.

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"Our team has duly acknowledged this feedback and taken swift action to implement all necessary changes to achieve a five-star rating.

"We eagerly anticipate the opportunity for a subsequent visit and re-evaluation."

The Northern Echo has contacted Middlesbrough Council for the full report.