A Chinese restaurant has been closed after rat droppings were discovered near filthy food preparation areas.

Stockton Borough Council's environmental health officers inspected the premises, which also operate as a takeaway, on Wednesday night after reports of a serious infestation.

The officers, who visited the Peking Garden in Bridge Road, Stockton, described the kitchens as being in a filthy condition.

Applying for an emergency prohibition notice, Roisin McKenzie, the council's solicitor, told Teesside magistrates there was an imminent risk of food poisoning.

Principal environmental health officer Rob Llewellyn said: "At the time we visited there was active evidence of rat infestation, there were rat droppings behind work stations."

The restaurant was of previous good repute and had acted to secure the services of a pest contractor independently of the council's actions, he said.

After discussions with the restaurant's proprietor, Mrs Mei Li Xie, it was agreed the restaurant would be voluntarily closed until the infestation and hygiene issues, accumulation of dirt, grease and food debris throughout the premises, were resolved.

However, when officers returned to check on the premises two hours later, they discovered the business was open and trading to the public as usual.

Officers then served a Food Safety Act 1990 Section 12 Emergency Prohibition Notice on the premises and the restaurant was closed.

Yesterday the court granted the notice, which can only be revoked once all the remedial work has been carried out. Mrs Xie did not appear at the hearing.

Afterwards, Mr Llewellyn said: "It is for them to remove the problem and then apply in writing for the prohibition to be lifted, so it will be closed for the foreseeable future."

Council cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Steve Nelson, said: "The prompt action taken by the officers shows the council will not allow visitors to restaurants and other food outlets to be put at risk from poor hygiene and pest infestations.

"Our officers work closely with owners of establishments to try to ensure such situations don't arise but where problems occur, action will be taken."

Officers are now gathering further evidence before considering what, if any, further action to take against the proprietor.