A THRIVING hospitality company has been named as a Lancashire business of the year at a county awards ceremony.

Downtown in Business (DIB) has named The Seafood Pub Company as their stellar performer for 2019.

The Assheton Arms was named in the top 10 places by The Guardian for Sunday lunches in late 2018.

And managing director Jocelyn Neve was selected for the Northern Bar and Restaurants's top 50 power list earlier this year.

She said of the DIB award: "To be named as Lancashire’s Business of the Year is quite something, and as a Lancastrian myself, something I’m really proud of."

The firm started off with Jocelyn renovating the Otter and Oyster in Blackburn. Now the company has 10 locations across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

She added: "We pride ourselves on being the gastropub of choice for every occasion, from daily changing seafood specials to comforting pub classics.

"We want to deliver the best experience for our customers and everyone who works in the business.

"These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our 350 Seafood Soldiers, our incredible staff who put their all in to looking after each and every one of our customers, whether they’ve called in for a drink or they’re staying the night with us. I want to say a huge thanks to them."