Chorley’s Continental Market proves hot attraction (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Chorley’s Continental Market proves hot attraction

2:33pm Thursday 14th August 2008 in Chorley By Andrew Greaves

Chorley’s Continental Market was a red hot success - especially for one local stall holder.

Crowds flocked to Market Street all day to sample a range of food and produce from around the world.

Amongst the most popular stalls was that of Adlington-based Richard Alker, better known as the Little Green Chilli Man.

TV chef Simon Rimmer visited Richard as part of his nationwide hunt for Local Food Heroes and shot some footage for his forthcoming UKTV Food series.

Simon said: “I have known Richard for years and always try to give him a plug whenever I can. It is fantastic that he is growing chillis right here in Chorley and that local people are coming down and experiencing this kind of thing.

“I have always been a big believer in markets and I think that in this day, buying local produce is important because with the credit crunch, we want to keep the money local.”

Other delicious treats on offer include paella, German sausages, French crepes and Hungarian desserts.

The market was also given a massive thumbs up by local residents.

Dave Whitely, from Brinscall, said: “It is fantastic. There isn’t any big stores in Chorley so something like this will help to bring people into the town.”

Viv Ellison said: “Its great that Chorley has got this. The farmers market is brilliant and we need more things like this. Everyone seems to be having a good time and hopefully if this is a success, the stalls may come back.”

The Continental Market is open everyday until Sunday from 9am until 5pm.