A floating nightclub was fined £16,000 yesterday after bosses admitting exposing workers to asbestos.

Cinderella Rockerfellas was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when it was discovered that tradesmen carrying out a £650,000 refit on the Tuxedo Princess, moored on the Tyne at Newcastle, were working alongside dangerous asbestos.

Gosforth Magistrates' Court was told that Cinderella Rockerfellas knew of the health risk posed by asbestos before a refit began in June 1999, but did not take precautions to protect between 50 and 100 workers employed on the refurbishment.

HSE inspector Michael Walker said workers who raised concerns were told there was no risk. An HSE investigation showed 85 areas where asbestos was present.

Cinderella Rockerfellas admitted failing to take appropriate steps to identify asbestos and failing to prevent the exposure of its employees to asbestos. It was also convicted of failing to stop the spread of asbestos from the work area, not providing adequate information, instruction or training to employees.

Magistrates fined the company £4,000 for each offence. It was ordered to pay costs totalling £7,377.40.