A Thai restaurant has started with a clean slate after going from a hygiene rating of zero stars to five in only a matter of months.

In February The Argus reported on how the Sukhothai Palace in Middle Street, Brighton, had been hit with a zero rating from the Foods Standards Agency.

It was one of just five out of the city’s 2,555 restaurants and takeaways to be given the lowest possible rating.

The zero rating requires owners to make an urgent improvement – and that is exactly what staff at the restaurant achieved.

The restaurant received five stars when re-inspected by the Food Standards Agency – the highest possible rating.

Five stars indicates standards of cleanliness on the premises are now “very good”.

Aoy Connacher, the owner, said: “We are very proud to have received five stars – it is the result of a lot of work from the team and reflects the high standards we have always aimed for.”

“Customers can step through our doors knowing they will get not only the best in Thai cuisine but also the best in service and hygiene."