A RAWTENSTALL masterchef and former councillor has got a national award for his tasty dishes.

Abu Chaudhury, of The Saffron restaurant in Burnley Road has received the Gold Award from the website good food guide www.qualityfoodonline.co.uk.

Abu, a former Rossendale borough councillor, said: "The judges came down here weeks ago and I didn't know who they were.

"They then rang me up and told me that the food and service was excellent and that they would be giving me this gold award.

"I am very proud of it."