A CHEF to the stars is rattling his pots and pans at a Lowton restaurant.

Anthony O'Garra, who has served up specialities to Prince Andrew and Fergie, Terry Wogan and golf greats, has moved to the Travellers Rest, Newton Road. Anthony, 34, of Winscombe Close, Pennington, is back at the eaterie where he started out as a part-time washer-up to pay his way through his course at St Helens College.

After qualifying he became head chef at the Bull's Head for six years before moving south for the next 10 years and winning the national Seafood Chef of the Year title in 1992.

He met his wife Laura, 33, while working in Virginia Water, Surrey, and discovered she hailed from Glazebury and was a fully qualified chef trained at Wigan and Leigh College. The couple, who have two daughters, headed back north 19 months ago. After deciding he wanted to do his own thing Anthony, whose best mate is eighties pop star Rick Astley, moved to join Les Kershaw at The Travellers Rest.

Anthony said: "Rick was best man at my wedding. I helped him at the height of his fame with a bit of roadying.

"I've prepared meals for many of the tops golfers like Nick Faldo as well as the royals and Wogan, and all the restaurants I have worked in have been Egon Ronay recommended. I shall be preparing a modern European cuisine with recipes from the Mediterranean, France and Italy. Everything will be home-made.

"There are two other chefs in the busy kitchen, but for me the job is hands-on. I'm looking forward to the challenge."