A RAMSBOTTOM restaurateur is celebrating receiving an honour in the latest Michelin guide to the best UK eateries.

Ramsons restaurant, in Market Place, was established 20 years ago by its owner Chris Johnson.

It was announced this week as being one of less than 30 in the UK to receive a Bib Gourmand award in the latest Michelin guide - an award given for excellent food at reasonable prices.

Mr Johnson described the accolade as "high praise" for Ramsons' Swiss-trained chef Abdullah Naseem, who has worked at the restaurant for three years.

He said: "We have always aimed to produce good food at reasonable prices, so this shows we must be doing something right.

"I dislike the often divisive attitude of some restaurants in this country, where it is seen as being a privilege to eat there.

"I pay regular visits to Milan and it is a pleasure to see people from all walks of life celebrating a good meal together there."

Ramsons has only 12 tables and uses mainly locally-produced ingredients in its traditional Italian fare.

Produce which cannot be sourced locally, such as melons and pumpkins, are flown in from markets in Milan.

Mr Johnson says the food in his restaurant is simple in the traditional style of Italian cookery, with most dishes containing no more than three or four components.

A full meal at the restaurant costs £18.

Mr Johnson said: "We live in a cheap food culture and I think it's a real shame because the intensive farming can't last forever. I only buy food from farmers who I think know what they are doing, who use traditional methods and breeds."

The restaurant was set up in Ramsbottom after Mr Johnson and his wife Roz fell in love with views of the town.

He said: "Italy and Milan lead the way in many things and I hope we are bringing a little bit of Milan fashion to this corner of Lancashire."