A Kington builder has been fined £1,000 after he claimed to be a member of the Federation of Master Builders and other organisations when he was not entitled to do so.

Christopher James Griffiths trading as CJ Builders of Passey Court, The Square, Kington pleaded guilty to eight offences under Section 14(1)(a) of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

Speaking after the hearing, acting manager of Herefordshire Council's Trading Standards service, Mike Pigrem said: "The use of the Federation of Master Builders logo states that a builder is of a particular standard, it was important to protect genuine Herefordshire members from loss of trade, maintain fair competitive business practices and to ensure that consumers are given accurate information to make informed decisions before engaging builders."

The use of any such trade logos when there is no authorisation to do so is an offence and consumers and traders are urged to contact the Trading Standard service on 01432 260764 if they uncover such practices.