A former takeaway owner has been banned from managing food businesses after inspectors found him to be operating in dirty and unsafe conditions.

Pui Lung Wan, also known as Colin Wan, was handed the ban at Livingston Sheriff Court last week after his conduct at Hong Restaurant in Pumpherston, West Lothian.

The council's environmental health team uncovered a raft of food safety failures during an inspection last summer.

The condition of the premises was so poor that officers had to take action to stop food being prepared.

They raised concerns about hygiene in the kitchen, poor handling of food and risks of contamination.

Staff were also found to be working without supervision or suitable food safety training.

A West Lothian council spokesman said: "Mr Wan had received previous warnings regarding the safe operation of this business, and unfortunately the continued failure to operate safely has required our environmental health officers to take action.

"The sheriff has recognised the potential dangers posed by this business operator and taken appropriate action.

"It is however disappointing that there are still people running food businesses who don't care about the safety of their customers and are unwilling to do basic things to keep food safe."

The local authority said Hong Restaurant is now under new ownership.

It said the premises continued to be inspected routinely by environmental health and officers have said it still needs to improve on its safety standards.