Leaky gas bottle warning

A few days ago before going away I connected a new Calor propane bottle to the van, tightening with a gas spanner as normal. Shortly after opening the bottle valve I noticed a strong smell of gas, which proved to be seeping out around the joint where the bottle valve joins the gas hose. Assuming the problem was with the hose rather than the bottle I changed the hose, but still had the leak, so the problem was with a faulty/damaged seating on the bottle valve. I took the bottle back to the garage where it was purchased, and explained that there was no leakage unless the bottle was connected to something, and could I have a replacement or refund. They just heard the words "gas leak" and asked me to leave the petrol station (with the bottle) immediately and I should contact Calor for help. I tried to contact Calor by phone and was met with the usual sequence of press this number for ................... non of the options available fitted my problem, and the last option was leave a message. No help at all. To cut a long story short I used some ptfe gas tape and reconnected the bottle, no leaks, job done. So folks, don't  assume that when connecting a new bottle that it will always  be a sound connection. It might be dark and raining but do a leak test before shutting the locker door.