A ROMSEY football club has cleaned up its act after it was slammed in a damning report when health inspectors found "grimy" kitchen equipment.

The Food Standards Agency, who inspected Romsey Town Football Club, Bypass Ground, last year said a "major improvement" was necessary and gave it a food hygiene rating of 1 out of 5.

At the time, inspectors, who worked with Test Valley Borough Council, discovered the football club's frying unit, chest freezers, refrigerator seals and air circulatory fan units were "grimy and not clean".

Now, the club has been awarded 4 stars by environmental health officers after no food hygiene and safety issues were noted in their latest report.

The officer who carried out the report commended the club for having a refurbishment since the last inspection, while recommending gaps between the ceiling and wall in the premise should be sealed.

Romsey Town Football Club's secretary, Alastair Bark, said: "We are delighted to have improved our hygiene rating. This and the other improvements to our facilities are a testament to the hard work of a team of dedicated volunteers.

"We have been fortunate enough to receive some great support and sponsorship from businesses in and around Romsey to achieve this.

"Without their generosity the situation could have been much different. We are also working together with the council regarding these and further improvements."

When asked how coronavirus has affected their season, Alastair said: "Covid has made things difficult for us and we have had to evolve very quickly.

"But, by implementing no standing areas, a one-way system and reducing our capacity we can continue to provide football for the community to watch and enjoy, while ensuring their well-being and safety.

"We would be more than happy to welcome any new supporters to the AEC Protection Ground in the near future."

The inspection happened on October 21.