THREE hoteliers and a restaurateur from the Ribble Valley have scooped top awards in the catering industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

Marjorie and Steven Doherty, the couple behind the buy-out of the historic Spread Eagle Hotel, Sawley, were named Pub Operators of the Year in the Catey awards.

Janet Simpson, proprietor of the Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping, received the award for Best Independent Marketing Campaign and Paul Heathcote was named Independent Restaurateur of the Year.

The awards were presented by television personality Jill Dando at a ceremony in the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

The Dohertys, who run Lakeland Traditional Inns Ltd with two silent partners, said they were "stunned and excited".

Steven is the former head chef at Le Gavroche, Mayfair, owned by the Roux brothers, and the couple also own the Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite, near Kendal.

Paul Heathcote impressed judges with his ability to "combine flair with business acumen".

Bolton-born Heathcote, 36, owns top eating establishments in Longridge, Preston and Manchester.

Paul said he was "delighted" and it felt "rather good" to be included in such an impressive line-up.

Judges were said to have been bowled over by Janet Simpson's "robust campaign" to forge a corporate identity for the Gibbon Bridge.

She based a comprehensive marketing campaign on the Gibbon Bridge bandstand, which hosts everything from wedding ceremonies to musical soirees.

The hotel already holds the title of Lancashire Life's Hotel of the Year 1996, while Janet was "highly commended" in the Businessperson of the Year section of the prestigious East Lancashire Business Awards.

She said she was "absolutely delighted" and it was a "wonderful feeling" having the Gibbon Bridge recognised as a special place.

The Catey awards are administered by "Caterer and Hotelkeeper" magazine.

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