Watchdogs say that 'major improvement' is necessary at a County Durham Mediterranean takeaway which was slapped with a one star hygiene rating in October.

Shawarma time on Northgate in Darlington was awarded the lowest food hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency in an inspection on October 10.

Following the inspection the takeaway will have been informed that a number of improvements need to be made and urgently.

Here’s what each food hygiene rating 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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During its inspection, the restaurant was inspected on its hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building as well as management of food safety.

In both cleanliness and food safety management, the business was told that urgent improvement was necessary.

Shawarma Time have been contacted for comment on the recent inspection.