A RIBBLE Valley gastro pub is celebrating after being been named in the Michelin Food Guide for the first time.

The Freemasons Country Inn, Vicarage Fold, Wiswell, is one of only nine Lancashire venues to make it into the prestigious guide.

The pub and restaurant, which re-opened after being refurbished 18 months ago, is owned by a local businessman and serves classic dishes with a modern twist.

In addition to the Freemasons Country Inn, reviews are also carried in the guide of The Three Fishes in Mitton, The Clog and Billycock in Blackburn, Fencegate Inn in Fence, Duke of York Inn in Grindleton, The Inn at Whitewell in Whitewell, The Red Pump Inn in Bashall Eaves, and The Red Cat in Whittle-le-Woods.

Northcote, Langho, remains the area’s only venue with a Michelin star, keeping the accolade for the 15th year running.

Steven Smith, head chef at the Freemasons Arms, said: “It was really good when we heard we had made it into the guide.

"It is a small step towards getting a Michelin star and becoming one of the best dining places in the North West.”

The 27-year-old, former Pleckgate School pupil, who lives in Wiswell and has previously worked at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor, first became interested in cooking when he left school and started working in a restaurant kitchen.

Derek Bulmer, editor of Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2010, said: “An entry into the guide is based on the quality of the food.

“And we were happy with the standard at the Freemasons.”