ONE of the country’s most promising chefs has taken an East Lancashire village pub to the pinnacle of the dining world.

A first Michelin star has been awarded to Tom Parker, of the White Swan in Fence.

And Northcote, at Langho, has retained its prized star, continuing a 20-year plus run in the foodies bible.

But the distinction is the first in her own right for Lisa Allen-Goodwin as the venue’s executive chef.

Meanwhile, Moor Hall at Aughton made it a hat-trick at the awards' grand unveiling for the county, securing a second Michelin mark.

The fortunes of Northcote and The White Swan are inextricably linked after Tom, a former Young Chef of the Year, switched from the Ribble Valley to Pendle in 2013.

Judges praised Tom for his “wonderful ingredients”.

Tom was quick to recognise the influence of the likes of Lisa and chef patron Nigel Haworth, from when he cut his teeth at Northcote.

Paying tribute to his mentors, he said: “This is the moment I have been working towards. It’s a little bit mental. It wouldn’t have happened without all your support.”

Judges described the White Swan, known locally as the Mucky Duck, as a “lovely village pub” where Tom “let his wonderful ingredients shine”.

Co-owner Laura Ostick said: “We were really shocked to win. We were working towards maybe earning one in another 12 months or two years so we’re absolutely thrilled.

Northcote’s general manager Craig Jackson described their star as a team effort.

Earlier this week Lisa was featured as a judge for the final of Celebrity Masterchef, where she had to chose between the offerings of reality TV star Spencer Matthews, former rugby union player Martin Bayfield and eventual winner, EastEnders actor John Partridge.

Rebecca Burr, director of the 2019 Michelin Guide, said: “Everyone is aware of the obvious challenges currently facing the industry.

"But we’ve been encouraged by the number of new stars that we’ve awarded in the 2019 edition.”