STAFF at an East Lancashire farm shop and caf are celebrating after becoming the first in the county to be awarded the prestigious Les Routiers seal of approval.

Bashall Barn near Clitheroe was opened by 34-year-old Simon Barnes last year and now 10 people work at the popular outlet.

Simon's parents have farmed at the site for 25 years and he opened the farm shop and cafe to strengthen the business.

The shop stocks local produce, including cheese, meat and ice-cream, and gift items, including glass products produced on-site by a glass artist.

Simon said: "It's been a fantastic time and everyone involved has worked extremely hard to secure the Les Routiers accreditation."

Independent auditing body Les Routiers joined the Farm Retail Association to create the new benchmark for excellence in farm shops.

FRA spokesman Rita Exner said: "There is a stringent procedure to follow to attain this status and Bashall Barn achieved in twenty months what some take twenty years to match.

"Our assessors look at quality, service and value to the customer, and the overall score achieved was one of the highest we've ever seen."

The Les Routiers report described Bashall Barn as a charming new farm and craft shop with great opportunities for expansion.

Simon added: "We have a number of exciting plans to make Bashall Barn even better and customers will see these introduced over the next year."

Only two other farm shops in the North West are Les Routiers accredited.