CHEF Anthony Eccles is licking his lips after winning the ultimate prize for food enthusiasts -- a luxury weekend at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir.

Anthony, 28, a sous chef at the Mytton Fold Farm Hotel, Langho, won the top prize in a draw by cheese brand Bladen.

The former Darwen Vale High School pupil, who lives in Hodder Grove, Darwen, will enjoy a gourmet evening meal with girlfriend, Sarah Duckworth, during a luxury weekend at international chef Raymond Blanc's Michelin-starred hideaway and celebrity haunt in Oxfordshire.

Anthony studied catering at Blackburn College and has held a variety of posts at hotels throughout the country. He has worked at Mytton Fold for three years and regularly cooks up banquets for 200 people or more.

He said: "I'm very chuffed. I'm really looking forward to the experience!"