The directors of a New Addington chippy have been disqualified for a combined 10 years.

Costas Castrinakis and Chrystalla Castrinakis were each disqualified for five years after an Insolvency Service and HMRC investigation revealed that Gambino Fish Ltd, trading as Quality Fish, failed to record all of its cash takings.

The means neither of the pair will be allowed to act as a director of a company or take part directly, or indirectly in the running of a company in the next five years.

Deputy head of investigations with the Insolvency said the pair had deprived the public of thousands of pounds.

"The periods of these disqualifications sends a clear message to other company directors that tax abuse of any kind, particularly when it comes to suppression of cash takings by directors will not be tolerated," she said.

"Much of the public service is funded by the correct amount of taxes being paid.

"By not declaring and paying the correct amount of taxes, the public has been deprived from receiving the services it deserves from the public sector.

"The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action against directors so they cannot abuse limited liability provided by trading through a company."

In total, the HMRC raised a VAT assessment of £53,332 and at the time of liquidation, the company was stated as owing in excess of £164,000 to HMRC in relation to arrears of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions and Corporation Tax.