A live rat’s nest was found under a used car bonnet as officials conducted checks on second-hand car dealers.

After a number of used car dealerships received a high number of complaints, Trading Standards Officers conducted checks across West Berkshire and Wokingham.

Trading Standard Officers found that on further inspection the rats had eaten the bonnet lining and chewed through a coolant tube of the car that was on sale for £1895.

A weed was also seen to be growing out of the wheel arch.

In total 12 premises across West Berkshire and Wokingham were visited and 51 vehicles were checked for milage and descriptions.

20 vehicles were also examined by independent vehicle engineers to ensure their roadworthiness.

Public Protection Partnership have said: “On the whole most vehicles and premises were found to be compliant with just a few areas where we advised the business owners of some areas they need to work on.

“These centred on their refunds policy/statutory rights and distance selling requirements.”