A historic 1700s pub has been fined thousands of pounds for several food hygiene violations.

Following an inspection of The Griffin pub, based in Isleham, inspectors found out-of-date food on the premises including putrefied cucumber in salad and mouldy grated cheese.

There was also evidence of limited pest-control within the premises and a number of dirty appliances that were deemed unhygienic.

Mr and Mrs Missing, who have owned the pub since 2008, appeared and pleaded guilty to seven offences at Cambridge Magistrates Court and have been ordered to pay a fine of £5,500.

They have been previously cautioned in 2013 and they attended a half day training course at the council in 2017 to show them how to improve their practices and hygiene rating.

Councillor Carol Sennitt, service delivery champion for environmental services, said: "When an inspector made a visit to the premises, it revealed that unfortunately there was no effective food safety management system and poor hygiene standards.

“Public safety is very important and in this case, public health was deemed to be at risk.

"We work very hard with businesses in the area to try to ensure they keep up food safety standards.

“For the protection of the public, we had to take legal action against the establishment in question.

“All food establishments must comply with food laws or be prepared to face the consequences.”

To find out more about food and safety hygiene, visit the East Cambridgeshire District Council website: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/food-safety