Lancaster and Morecambe may be home to the area' s biggest pubs - but, for the best, you need to go further afield, writes Steve Dunthorne.

That's the message from the 2003 'Good Pub Guide,' the drinker's Bible, which features more than 5,000 alehouses from across the country.

Although four pubs from the area are featured in the guide, none are in the city centre or in Morecambe.

The guide's highest praise goes to the Bay Horse, in Bay Horse village, voted Lancashire dining pub of the year.

Described as an 'upmarket dining pub' the guide calls the Bay Horse 'comfortable and quiet' and is full of praise for its menu.

It adds: "When there's something really showy on the specials board (lobster and asparagus terrine with real caviar and champagne jelly, roast suckling pig with a peach, honey and mustard sauce), go for it."

The Stork, at Conder Green, is also recognised by the guide.

Long regarded as one of the area's leading pubs and especially popular at lunchtimes, the Stork is praised for its 'friendly bustling atmosphere', while one of the 'lived-in panelled rooms' boasts 'a list of licensees going back to 1660.'

Those prepared to head north can try the Lunesdale Arms, Tunstall, and the New Inn at Yealand Conyers.

The Arms is praised for its 'cheerful, bustling atmosphere' while the Inn, based in a 17th century cottage, is praised for its 'cosy village atmosphere' and collection of 30 malt whiskies.

The only city centre pub to get a mention in the guide's 'lucky dip' section (pubs which have not been fully inspected, but which are recommended by readers) is the Brown Cow on Penny Street.

Carnforth's County Hotel, Arkholme's Bay Horse and the Ship at Caton get honorable mentions in this section while the award-winning Hest Bank Hotel and Slyne Lodge also feature.