A SELECTION of the county's finest chefs are preparing an onslaught on the tastebuds of the nation's top food critics for Lancashire Day.

And they will go armed, to the Guild of Fine Food in Southwark, with some of the red rose's choicest delicacies.

The expedition comes after one of East Lancashire's leading chefs has secured another award this week.

Judges at The Cateys voted Lisa Goodwin-Allen, of Northcote at Langho, as the best chef in their under 250 covers category.

Meanwhile Steven Smith, of the Freemasons at Wiswell, Mark Taft, executive chef at the Seafood Pub Company and Stosie Madi, from the Parkers Arms in Newton-by-Bowland, are among the culinary contingent heading to London.

Lamb from Burholme Farm in Whitewell, tipples courtesy of Whalley Wine Shop and Calyx in Burnley and produce from Wellgate Fisheries in Clitheroe, Wellocks in Nelson and Samlesbury's The Bee Centre will form part of their six-course menu.

Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire's chief executive, said, "We are taking Lancashire to London, to showcase some of the country’s finest chefs and produce.

"Each of our chefs has brought significant recognition to Lancashire, achieving some of the industry's top accolades.

"They will be cooking for some of the UK's top food and travel writers, who will in turn help to encourage more visitors to sample and appreciate the county's rich larder, our world class restaurants, top gastro-pubs and unbeatable hospitality.

"We have some of the best produce in the country and raising awareness of this around Lancashire Day sends out a strong message to visitors as well as to passionate Lancastrians that we're incredibly proud to share."

Mark Birchall, of Michelin-starred Moor Hall, Chris Bury, head chef at The Cartford Inn and Oli Martin, a Masterchef finalist and Hipping Hall mainstay, round out the visiting team. Food and drink are worth more than £1billion annually to Lancashire's economy.