Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis announces winners in awards to find Lancashire’s ‘family-friendly’ places and people
Families and businesses across the Ribble Valley have been recognised for going the extra mile to support parents and children, as Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis announced the winners of her first ever Family-friendly Awards.
From flexible employers allowing staff to attend their children’s sports days to welcoming restaurants where young diners are made to feel at home, the awards celebrate the organisations and individuals helping family life flourish across the valley and wider Lancashire area.
Public nominations submitted online for the Family-friendly Awards 2026 were full of heart-warming stories about clubs helping families stay active together, events that give families a great day out and workplaces showing true flexibility to help working parents thrive.
Maya, who is dedicated to helping families and diverse communities feel safe and empowered to live their best lives, said the aim was to root out all the organisations and people supporting families across the county, and show how organisations are adapting to support this key demographic in our communities.
She has previously spoken in Parliament in support of the government’s Best Start in Life initiative, launched in 2025, which aims to make supporting families an integral part of communities.
Maya said: “I knew we had some amazing family-friendly places and people in my constituency and beyond, but it’s been fantastic to read the nominations, and see the efforts that hospitality owners, and event organisers go to, to support children and families.
“Family life can be as challenging as it is rewarding so it’s vital that we have workplaces that offer flexibility, venues that welcome children and events where families can spend time together.
“As with any awards there are winners, but the real goal was to shine a light on amazing things to do and places to visit in Ribble Valley and Lancashire. I hope as many people as possible will continue to support these amazing organisations to enable them to thrive and carry on their work for families.”
The Family-friendly Employer award went to Chipping-based Procters Cheeses, which was nominated for embedding an approach to family life into its culture. One employee said the business demonstrates flexibility and compassion to parents that has fostered loyalty and long-term commitment, making it a true family-friendly employer.
The Family-friendly Restaurant or Café category went to Potters Barn in Ribchester, where diners can paint a pot, while the Family-friendly Menu award went to The Lower Buck in Waddington.
A free weekly event for all ages that is said to allow everyone to discover the simplicity of outdoor play took the Family-friendly Outdoor Activity award.
Nominations for Dunsop Bridge Park Play said it allows children to be part of something active on their terms and reduces barriers to participation as families don’t need to travel out of the area.
Winners:
Family-friendly Restaurant or Café
WINNER: Potters Barn, Ribchester
Family-friendly Menu:
WINNER: The Lower Buck, Waddington
Family-friendly Employer:
WINNER: Procters Cheeses
Family-friendly Outdoor Activity:
WINNER: Dunsop Bridge Park Play.