A village pub in Wiltshire has had its food hygiene rating upgraded to the maximum five following a reinspection this month.

The Carriers Arms in Stockton saw its hygiene rating plummet to just one, meaning it required 'major improvement’ in its practices after a Food Standards Agency inspector found mouse droppings six months ago.

They were found in the kitchen and other areas of the pub during a food hygiene inspection on July 22 during the summer harvesting season.

Owners David and Karen Foster voluntarily closed The Carriers Arms in the picturesque village for one day to enable them to clean up and make improvements.

The pub only opens Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and is closed for the rest of the week.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Carriers Arms at Stockton noiw has the highest food hygiene rating. Photo: Trevor Porter 70183-2The Carriers Arms at Stockton noiw has the highest food hygiene rating. Photo: Trevor Porter 70183-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The rating was upgraded following a reinspection on Friday, January 26.

Mr Foster said: “We were expecting a four had it not been for the issue with the mouse but we are really pleased to get five. We now have the highest food hygiene rating in the local area.”

The field mouse is considered a danger to human health because they are carriers of diseases such as the hantavirus which leads to serious respiratory problems.

The pub’s temporary closure last summer followed a joint agreement between Wiltshire Council’s environmental health officers and the pub owners to make food hygiene improvements.