A RISING culinary star won a prestigious apprenticeship culinary award.

Lauren Routh, 21, took the Advanced Apprentice of the Year from Nelson and Colne College.

Her college tutor, Joe Hargreaves, said: “Lauren is a star and she deserves this award.”

Lauren, who works at Ye Old Sparrowhawk pub in Fence as an advanced apprentice, had just finished her NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery.

After missing out on the award last year, Lauren said: “I’m over the moon to receive this award especially as I was disappointed not to win it last year.”

The Padiham girl completed qualifications in the kitchens at Sir John Thursby Community College before she moved to the Sparrowhawk.

Landlord Mark Etherlington said: “We are very proud to have Lauren as part of our team. We marked her efforts by presenting her with her own knife set.”