RECIPES from the 18th century have been revived by a family-run gin maker in East Lancashire.

The McNeills, who run Bashall Spirits, have taken inspiration from the past - and their surroundings for the range.

While a London Dry gin sits at the heart of their line, produced in Bashall Eaves, in Ribble Valley, an accompanying three spirits are more experimental.

Even the London Dry, with cranberry, elderflower, caraway and hazelnut influences, takes its cue from the Forest of Bowland.

Their three flavoured gins - orange and quince, damson and elderberry and parkin cake - follow instructions handed down between generations of the Worsley-Taylor family.

Fiona McNeill, co-founder of Bashall Spirits, said: "Our family have held these unique handwritten recipe books for centuries, and we wanted to find a way to bring these flavours to life in a contemporary way.

"This truly is a unique range of gins that showcase Lancashire’s rich heritage of food and drink, our village and the beautiful landscapes which surround it."

The orange and quince and damson and elderberry varieties can trace their roots back to the 1700s and pay tribute to the orchards and fruit wines which have been popular locally for centuries.

The parkin cake mix is inspired by a Vicorian-era recipe for the traditional northern delicacy.

The company's unique blends, which are bottled at 40 per cent ABV, are pulled together by a partner distillery in Abroath.