A PUB chef said he was ‘flabbergasted’ after finding out he had been nominated for a national award by the Pendle MP.

MP Andrew Stephenson shortlisted Tom Parker of the White Swan in Fence, for the 2017/18 Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year award.

Mr Parker, who represented Lancashire and the North West in this year’s Great British Menu on BBC2, will be judged by an expert panel to decide whether he goes through to the final stages where a ‘cook-off’ will take place.

Mr Parker said “I am delighted and flabbergasted to be nominated for this award.

“As a small pub business it is amazing to be recognised as one of the best places to eat in Pendle, it is a testament to the amount of work the team puts in.”

The final winner of the competition, organised by The British Beer and Pub Association and All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, will be presented with an award in February at the House of Commons.

Mr Stephenson said: “This is rural Lancastrian cuisine and it’s very good.

“Quality reviews from food critics have really helped put it on the map, and the village of Fence too.”