LOCAL MPs took the Red Rose county’s finest produce all the way to Westminster yesterday to celebrate Lancashire Day.

And a visit from the Thwaites’ Shire horses made celebrations extra special as the area’s finest ales were transported through the main gates of Parliament.

The Lancashire flag was also flying high outside Whitehall to mark the occasion.

In 1295, the first elected representatives from Lancashire were summoned by King Edward I to attend Parliament at Westminster.

This was later to be known as the Model Parliament and was the beginning of democracy in Britain.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said he was proud to celebrate.

He said: “Celebrating everything and all that is Lancashire makes me very proud.

“It is just fantastic to be showcasing the best of Lancashire’s fresh and finest products.

“I am also delighted that the horses from Blackburn’s brewery were here.”

There are currently 57 MPs who represent constituencies that are wholly or partially within the traditional county of Lancashire.

People from across Nelson gathered to celebrate in the town on Saturday and the traditional proclamation was read out by the town crier.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson was also part of both Lancashire Day celebrations in Nelson and in London.

Joining the MP at Westminster was Philip and Dorothy McIvor, who run Nelson-based Farmhouse Biscuits.

Mr Stephenson said: “The reception was splendid and it was fantastic having a local business in Westminster.

“Seeing the flag flying above Whitehall just proved that Lancashire was standing up as a proud county.”

The Friends of Real Lancashire chairman, Chris Dawson, said: “The counties of this country are an integral part of our history and culture and it is essential that their identity is preserved.

“Until 1974 the identities of most of the ancient and geographical counties of the UK had remained essentially unaltered for over a thousand years. Lancashire should be very proud of its day.”