A County Durham Indian restaurant that was previously hit with a one-star food hygiene rating has this month been re-inspected and had its grade boosted.

Red Chilli restaurant on Church Street, Shildon, was awarded a one-star food rating earlier this year, as inspectors claimed "major improvement" was necessary.

The agency conducted the inspection on May 11, investigating the businesses' hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building and management of food safety.

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Now, following a re-inspection on October 12, the business has been boosted to boast a four-star rating, titled "Good".

Red Chilli was previously the third Shildon business to obtain a poor rating this year after two other businesses achieved one star.

Shildon Express, located at 22 Main Street, was slapped with a one-star rating after their inspection on May 3.

Spice Island, at 100 Main Street, was also deemed to require "major improvements" by the agency.

Here's what each ranking means:

0 - Urgent Improvement Necessary
1 - Major Improvement Necessary
2 - Some Improvement Necessary
3 - Hygiene Standards Generally Satisfactory
4 - Hygiene Standards Good
5 - Hygiene Standards Very Good

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In the North East and North Yorkshire, the majority of takeaways and restaurants continue to receive a three and above rating.

Inspections are carried out regularly throughout the year all across the country, and businesses are allowed to apply for re-inspection.