SEVERAL of Taste Lancashire's new foodie ambassadors are plying their trade in the Ribble Valley and Pendle.

Leisure and tourism chiefs capped off the county's latest culinary summit by unveiling a handful of shining stars, tasked with promoting Lancashire's offerings far and wide.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Tom Parker, the head chefs at the Michelin-starred Northcote, at Langho, and the The White Swan, at Fence, are among the fledgling special envoys.

And Steven Smith, owner of the Freemasons at Wiswell and Gastropub Chef of the Year, and Mark Taft, who heads up the kitchen at The Assheton Arms, and Stosie Madi, of the Parker Arms at Newton-in-Bowland, have also agreed to join the collective.

They are being joined by Mark Birchall, the chef patron at Moor Hall, another Michelin-starred venue, at Aughton, the Cartford Inn's Chris Bury.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: "We could have no better champions of Lancashire food and drink and of the county and we're delighted to add them to our roll call of leading Lancastrians.

"From our Michelin star chefs to those heading up fantastic foodie pubs that are leading the field in the UK, they are wonderful role models not only for those currently working in the food and drink industry but also to those young budding hospitality stars of the future.

"Their Lancashire roots, passion for the county and their position at the forefront of the dining scene make this wonderful group of chefs the ideal Taste Lancashire Ambassadors.

"We are thrilled they have agreed to support our ambition and drive to raise Lancashire's profile."

Their appointments followed another successful Taste Lancashire conference, staged at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, which featured guest speakers including ethnobotanist James Wong and Mowgli founder Nisha Katona.

Later Lisa Goodwin-Allen said: "I'm thrilled to have been named an Ambassador for Taste Lancashire. As a born-and-bred Lancastrian I am so proud of our county, even more so of the fantastic produce we have on offer to us.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of the conference on topics like sustainability, something that is so close to my heart, and using the event as a great opportunity to chat to some of the most exciting names in our industry."

And Steven Smith added: "I'm honoured to have been named a Taste Lancashire Ambassador and looking forward to helping spread the word about this fantastic county.

"We are lucky to have an incredible range of food and drink operators across Lancashire, who have really put the region on the foodie map in recent years.

"A continued supportive, collaborative approach will ensure the spotlight continues to shine on us, driving both national and international tourism to this wonderful part of the country."