A TOP Farnworth chef proved to be more than a flash in the pan when he was served up a special honour by Bolton Institute.

Respected restaurateur Paul Heathcote became the latest in a string of high profile figures to be presented with the Institute's Honorary Fellowship award as part of their annual graduation ceremony.

The former Egon Ronay Chef of the Year was at the Victoria Halls yesterday to be presented with the accolade as part of the annual ceremony which has seen more than 2,000 students graduate.

Paul is no stranger to success with his chain of Simply Heathcote restaurants doing brisk business in Preston, Manchester and Liverpool while his first restaurant in Chorley has attained the sought after Michelin star.

The Farnworth man, who established Heathcotes in 1990, trained at other first class restaurants and hotels, including the Connaught Hotel and Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons.

But he was not the only person who had the recipe for success at the graduation ceremony.

Another of the home grown success stories was mother-of-two Susan Waddington who gained a first class degree.

Susan juggled her full-time job as a primary school nurse with a three-year part-time BA(Hons) Health Studies course.

And the 34-year-old, of Moorlands View, Bolton, was delighted to receive the top award.

Her husband, Doug, said: "We're all really proud of her. She worked incredibly hard and got the result she deserved."

Susan has two children, Steven, aged 15, and Amy, aged 10. She works in primary schools in Westhoughton for Bolton Community Health. FIRST CLASS: Mother-of-two Susan Waddington