a licensee has left one of East Lancashire's most prestigious pubs, just eight months after re-opening the venue.

Steve Midgley has resigned as head chef at The Feilden's Arms, Whalley Road, Mellor Brook, for 'personal reasons'.

Jacqui McVitie, owner of pub and Mr Midgley's sister, refused to release any more information about her brother's departure, but said a new head chef had been employed.

She said: "Steve decided to leave the business for personal reasons.

"Losing Steve was a disappointment for us all, particularly me as he's my brother, but the rest of the team here have rallied around and it is very much business as usual for The Feilden's Arms.

"Despite this setback we are absolutely delighted with the progress we have made this year.

"I think the whole team has worked hard to put The Feilden's Arms back on the map and we are as determined as ever to safeguard our hard-earned reputation."

Mr Midgley, a chef from Blackburn, has worked in Michelin starred restaurants and top hotels throughout the UK.

He took over the running of The Feilden Arms in February and said he wanted to put the pub on the culinary map by using Lancashire produce.

In October the pub was one of six venues across East Lancashire to be included in Michelin's Eating Out in Pubs guide - which lists the best places to eat and drink.

Mr Midgley was visited by a Michelin inspector just six weeks into the job.

At the time he said: "To say I am delighted is an incredible understatement.

"For most chefs the Michelin guide is the one that matters.

"I'm really proud of the staff, it's a real honour.

"I have worked in a number of Michelin star restaurants throughout my career and I know how tough it is to please the inspectors.

"Some people work for years to get a mention, so to manage it within months of opening is fantastic news."