CELEBRITY chef Paul Heathcote was honoured at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Mr Heathcote, who grew up in Bolton and is a regular face on TV cooking shows, was made an MBE for his services to the hospitality industry.

He was recognised for his work earlier this year in the Queen’s birthday honours list and yesterday received the investiture from the Prince of Wales.

Mr Heathcote said: “It was really nice and rather special. My family came down for the day.

"My mum especially enjoyed the day enormously. I think she still has my MBE in her handbag.

"Inside Buckingham Palace was amazing. It was an incredible experience.

"What was apparent was that most people there were honoured for doing something they really enjoy. I feel very proud.

“Being a kid at Plodder Lane and St James School you would never think you would reach anything like this.”

Mr Heathcote, who was born in Farnworth, runs 12 restaurants, including The Olive Press in Nelson Square.

He has been in the region for more than 20 years and is a member of the Restaurant Association of Great Britain.

His achievements include a scheme to teach schoolchildren more about food, gaining two Michelin stars at The Longridge Restaurant, Longridge, being awarded two Cateys at the Caterer and Hotelkeeper Awards, and being Egon Ronay Chef of the Year.

Mr Heathcote joined a host of other big names at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Jazz musician Courtney Pine collected his CBE, motorcyclist Maria Costello was made a MBE, fisherman and broadcaster John Wilson received an MBE for services to angling, and Slimming World founder Margaret Whittaker collected her OBE.

steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk