Fans of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings should look no further than a Ramsbottom pub which has been voted as serving the best Sunday lunch in the country.

The Eagle and Child, in Whalley Road, were awarded the accolade after being voted for by readers of the Observer Food Monthly Awards, and then chosen by a panel of food experts.

Landlord Glen Duckett received an edible chocolate trophy, made by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, at an awards ceremony held in Covent Garden, London.

The gastro pub sources local produce for its acclaimed Sunday roasts, with Lancashire beef and chicken from Goosnargh in Preston.

Mr Duckett, who went to the awards with head chef Eve Townson, said: “It is brilliant because it is voted for by readers of the paper and our customers.

“It’s great that it has recognised not just the quality of our food, but also the value for money and the whole experience, which will help to raise our profile.”

The event was hosted by Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins and food critic Jay Rayner.

The awards, now in their 10th year, seek to find and reward the best British food and produce, from local independent producers to high-profile chefs.

The pub was also praised for its commitment in helping young people into work, through its EAT Pennines scheme.

The Eagle and Child was reopened two years ago, and as well as scooping a number of awards in the process of the transformation, it is committed to helping young people into work, especially some of the most disadvantaged people in society.

Before opening the pub, Mr Duckett, from Accrington, worked in community regeneration at Leeds-based charity Groundwork, and after university he worked at Delia Smith’s restaurant in Norwich. His projects at the Eagle and Child combine both passions.

At the awards, Mr Blumenthal was presented with a Chef of the Decade to honour his contribution to the British food industry.

Allan Jenkins, Observer Food Monthly magazine editor and chairman of the judging panel, said: “The amazing transformation in British food in this first decade of the awards shines through in this year's winners.”