A CATERING business advertising "food with panache" has been fined after hygiene inspectors found mould growing on the walls of its kitchen.

Spencer Anne's, which supplies food to weddings and outdoor functions, was found in a filthy condition in a surprise inspection from Basildon Borough Council officials in September.

Officers discovered dirt across the floor and walls and food kept in poor conditions.

When they searched the kitchen of the premises in Great Cowbridge Lane, off London Road, inspectors found roast beef that had been kept for 19 days, and raw and cooked food being stored together.

They complained there was "A failure to protect food from contamination."

Damon Spencer Godding, who runs the business, appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court last week.

After pleading guilty to nine separate counts of food hygiene offences, Mr Godding, 38, was fined £200 for each offence, as well as £1,200 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge, £3,015 in all.

Speaking to the Gazette after the conviction, Mr Godding said: "At the time we were inspected, we had been very busy and had a few members of staff off work ill.

"It was sorted out the day after, as it would have been if the inspectors had not been there.

"We have been established for 12 years, and we have never given anyone food poisoning."

He added: "If the kitchen had been really dangerous, we would have been told to stop trading straight away.

"The fact we weren't shows this was a one-off.

"In January, Basildon council gave us a four-star rating, which shows that we have very high standards."

Cllr Richard Moore, cabinet member with responsibility for food safety, said: "Over the past year we have seen a rise in the number of prosecutions of food businesses across the borough.

"Our officers not only provide a valuable service in advising local proprietors about their statutory responsibilities, but they are also prepared to take formal action to deal with those who fall well below par.

"I hope that the outcome of this case sends a clear message that Basildon Council will take action against those businesses that are prepared to put our residents at risk."