Pasty maker hits back

Ginsters: "We wish them success"

A well-known Cornish pasty maker has welcomed the news of the unveiling of a Cumbrian version of the classic snack.

But Larry File, marketing director of Cornish firm Ginsters, said he had to "take issue" with claims that the Cumbrian version was better than its Cornish counterpart.

The unusual sweet and savoury Cumbrian pasty used to be eaten by miners in the north of England.

It was unveiled at an attraction Nent Valley - the Secret Adventure, near Alston in Cumbria, on Thursday by the chairman of the county's tourist board Eric Robson.

They are keeping a piece of history alive and we wish them every success

Larry File, Ginsters

And Mr Robson, a writer and presenter of programmes including BBC Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time, said: "It certainly beats the Cornish pasty hands down."

Mr File said: "I think there would be more than a few Cornish people who wouldn't agree with that."

But he added it was "great" that the recipe, which includes a filling of mince, vegetables, and potatoes at one end and stewed apples at the other, had been revived.

"They are keeping a piece of history alive and we wish them every success," he said.

The Cumbrian pasty has been recreated by the Moody Baker, a local workers' co-operative.

"We hadn't counted on the Moody Baker," said Mr File.

"We'll have to keep an eye on them."

Ginsters makes 120 million products each year and employs 700 people at its Callington base.