WHELAN'S fish and chip restaurant in Lytham got a top recommendation on a plate, when TV chef Rick Stein walked in.

The man noted for his mouthwatering seafood recipes wasn't noticed at the time, but Whelan's found out when the celebrity wrote a letter of thanks praising their food.

He also later gave permission for his name to be used promoting Whelan's.

The boost has come just as Whelan's are about to collect a radio award for their quality from BBC station Greater Manchester Radio.

In his letter of thanks, Stein said it was unusual to find a licensed fish and chip restaurant where he could enjoy a glass of chardonnay which went well with fish, chips and mushy peas.

He said he had been greatly pleased with the quality and cleanliness of his meal.

Proprietor Vin Robinson contacted the chef who allowed his name to be used.

"Rick Stein said he was always pleased to promote a good business," said Vin.

The radio award has come courtesty of GMR DJ Fred Fielder who also visited Whelan's and has named them the BBC north west fish and chip restaurant of the year.

Whelan's has been open since 1937 but Vin has only been there since March.

He said he had kept the same staff to maintain quality and had stuck to the suppliers that the shop had been using for 20 years.

"You have to buy fish that has been frozen within 15 minutes of catching it."

Now the Stein recommendation could help him spread the business to other sites.

"We feel we can play on the name Whelan's. I look at Harry Ramsden's and honestly I think we are better than that."