POLITICAL leaders found themselves tucking into Lancashire hotpot and Eccles cakes when some of the North West's finest food was showcased at the House of Commons.

In an initiative spearheaded by award-winning chef Nigel Haworth, of Northcote Manor, near Langho, 40 of the region's food producers yesterday made their way to London to give MPs a taste of Lancashire's finest fare.

Mr Haworth, 45, dreamed up the event together with his friend David Dorricott, the House of Commons' head chef, to raise awareness of regional cuisine.

More than 50 MPs attended the launch, including Speaker Michael Martin, Tory MP Sir Nicholas Winterton and local MPs Nigel Evans, who represents the Ribble Valley, and Rossendale and Darwen's Janet Anderson, as well as several top London chefs.

Mr Haworth is also sending two Northcote chefs to the Commons' kitchens to oversee a fortnight of menus he has devised using regional ingredients.

"We've had a fantastic response," he said. "Lots of people have been impressed with the quality we've had on show.

"I've been in the catering industry for about 30 years and this is one of the proudest moments of my career."

More regions will be invited to take part in the event over the next few months.