A HEREFORDSHIRE inn has become the first pub in the country to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, rubbing shoulders with some of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom.

The Stag Inn, at Titley, has put its success down to serving local food for local people, with dishes including scallops with creamed leeks in black pepper oil.

And a restaurant at Ledbury, only open for two-and-a half years, has been mentioned in the latest Michelin Red Guide, the gourmet's bible, which has just been published.

The Stag Inn has recently been taken over by Steve and Nicola Reynolds.

Mr Reynolds said he was stunned when he heard his pub was to receive the accolade of being recognised as one of the best eateries in the country.

"This is a totally different place to what would normally win an award," he said. "We have country squires coming here sitting next to farm labourers with mud on their boots."

"The emphasis is on freshness and local produce," he added. "We get our beef and lamb direct from the local farmer and nearly all the food comes from within a 30-mile radius."

Three years ago The Malthouse, in Church Lane, Ledbury, was a derelict printers works - now it is on its way to being one of the best restaurants in Britain, after being mentioned in the guide.

Food honour

"This is the first food honour we have had and we are obviously very pleased," said owner Jim Lipton, who runs the restaurant with his wife Tracy.

The restaurant, which Mr Lipton describes as "a fusion of modern English and world cuisine" has rapidly become one of the region's best-known, and most popular places for eating out.

The Croque-en-Bouche, in Great Malvern, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Worcestershire, has retained its Michelin star, in the latest guide.

6 The Red Guide Great Britain and Ireland is available in bookshops for £14.25.