TV CHEF Brian Turner has judged a roast beef "cook-off" for the North West region.

Brian visited Northcote Manor, Langho, as part of a countrywide tour to find England's best roast beef dish in time for St George's Day.

In the run-up to April 23 he is visiting 15 towns and cities across England searching for the most imaginative, creative and tasty ways of preparing the traditional dish.

Five regional winners will go to London for a national tasting, set by the English Beef and Lamb Executive.

Professional and amateur chefs from Morecambe and Lancaster were among those rustling up roasts to impress in Blackburn. And following a lip-smacking tasting session Brian declared his personal favourite to be Ruth Gibbons, a freelance kitchen designer from Lancaster.

Brian said: "Nothing beats roast beef and all the trimmings and what better time to enjoy it than in the run-up to England's national day, St George's Day? The quality of the roast beef dish tasted in Blackburn was outstanding and will be hard to beat."