A search for the borough's best food producers, retailers and restaurateurs was launched in the summer in a bid to make the Ribble Valley Food Trail a premier UK destination.

It has already attracted huge interest and the selection panel, including award-winning restaurateur Nigel Haworth, Ribble Valley Mayor Coun. Doreen Taylor, Lancashire food writer Olivia Assheton, the Clitheroe Advertiser's resident gourmet Marcia Morris and Ribble Valley Borough Council's tourism officer Rebecca Kay, has been sifting through dozens of entries.

Rebecca said: "Interest in the trail has been huge and Ribble Valley clearly has some of the finest producers and restaurateurs in the country. Food is now one of the nation's favourite pastimes and we hope this trail will put Ribble Valley on the foodie map."

The selection panel has drawn up a shortlist of entries that will receive mystery visits over the coming weeks. Selectors will look for a commitment to local produce, high quality foodstuffs and excellent customer service.

The Ribble Valley is no newcomer to successful trails. The Tolkein Trail around Hurst Green attracts visitors from across the world. Tolkein, creator of the Lords of The Rings trilogy, was a regular visitor to Stonyhurst College, where his son was a priest, and is said to have based Middle Earth on the area.

The Ribble Valley Food Trail will include a series of maps featuring the area's foodie landmarks for enthusiasts to follow by foot or public transport.