THREE East Lancashire pubs have been included in a prestigous dining out guide.

The Assheton Arms at Downham, the Inn at Whitewell and Campions at Samlesbury have all been selected for Les Routiers Pubs and Inns Guide 2003.

The annual guide has been compiled by David Hancock. he said: "Pubs are the new breed of country hotels and restaurants. They combine comfort and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere with really good food and excellent accommodation."

As well as featuring the three pubs, the guide also includes a special pub walk using the Inn at Whitewell as its base and taking in the sights of the Trough of Bowland.

The Inn at Whitewell is praised for its "superlative wine list" and is described as being "wonderfully relaxed, laid back, even mildly eccentric with a haphazard arrangement of furnishings and bric-a-brac".

The Assheton Arms, according to the guide, "retains a cheerfully warm, traditional air" and earns praise for its "good value choice of honest, homecooked dishes."

Campions is described as an "elegant old hall with its gothic-style bar and restaurant (which) is the perfect retreat".

Les Routiers Pubs and Inns Guide 2003 is available from leading bookshops priced £12.50.