DISTRICT undertakers firm Fred Christophers and Son Ltd has been ordered to pay almost £44,000 in costs and compensation after unfairly dismissing a 63-year-old woman and replacing her with 'a young fit blonde'.

An employment tribunal in Exeter last week found that directors Fred and Jon Christophers had discriminated against receptionist Roz Perrin, of Stokeinteignhead, both in terms of her gender and age.

A complaint of harassment was also upheld.

The two men failed to offer witness statements despite prior warnings from the tribunal that such inaction would leave them without a defence.

Employment judge Colm O'Rourke said: 'It seems the respondents have buried their heads in the sand.'