THE leading regular at a popular East Lancashire local has been rewarded for his service.

John Paterson has not only been the head chef at the Moorcock in Blacko, near Nelson, for 22 years, he has also been the licensee for the last three.

And John's continued success in the kitchen has brought him the area prize in the Supreme Kitchen and Caterer of the Year 2004 run by Judi Houghton, catering development manager at Blackburn-based brewery Thwaites.

John, originally from Padiham and now 41, runs the successful pub with his wife, Janet, and son, Jamie, 23, who helps out in the kitchen between his studies.

They also have a daughter Catherine, 16, who attends Westholme School, Blackburn.

John said: "I have always been a chef and I pride myself on home-cooked fresh food. It's great to have your efforts recognised like this."

John is pictured being presented with his award by Thwaites district sales manger John Shuttleworth.