Traces of mice were found at a popular Chinese restaurant, it has been revealed.

Dirty equipment was also found during a visit by inspectors at the Kams Palace restaurant.

The restaurant owners have now been fined £11,000 for health and hygiene breaches.

The findings were made in a routine inspection by Fareham Borough Council to the Chinese restaurant in Bridge Road, Park Gate, in February last year.

Food safety hazards included poor stock control, food stored in dirty containers, dirty equipment and evidence of mice.

Owner Kams Palace Ltd pleaded guilty to five offences under food hygiene regulations and two offences under health and safety legislation at Fareham Magistrates’ Court.

Restaurant director Kam Ng said that the problems were solved six weeks after the inspection and that a further spot-check last week had given the restaurant a satisfactory rating.

A spokesman added that for 19 years it had had no problems.

He pointed out that the evidence of mice was found in a store room outside the restaurant and in the car park area and that the crockery and other items were used only for large functions and were cleaned before use.