A TASTE of Spain is set to take Horwich by storm.

And it has nothing to do with the arrival of Spanish football teams Deportivo Alaves and Athletic Bibao at the Reebok Stadium next month.

Spanish chef Jarvier Garcia has been snapped up by one of the town's bakeries and he has already begun to transform the shop into a continental taste-bud heaven.

In just six weeks, Mr Garcia has introduced a range of Spanish foods ranging from paella and tortilla to small dishes consisting of artichokes, anchovies and red peppers.

Converted

And with Horwich folk already being converted away from the humble pie with increased sales of the Spanish grub, the mini-revolution looks set to continue.

Mr Garcia, aged 27, was employed at Home Bakery, on Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, by the co-owner Stephen Biggins, 43.

The baker, who has owned the small shop for 18 years in partnership with Linda Makin, said he was looking to create something new for the town.

He said: "We had an idea that we would expand our range of food and Jarvier just sprung to mind.

"I knew about him from his time at La Tasca restaurant in Bolton town centre and he was making quite a name for himself.

"He's revolutionised the shop and he's definitely become a valuable asset."

Mr Garcia moved to the town 18 months ago following a chance meeting with a Bolton resident who was on holiday in Murcia, in Southern Spain.

The holidaymaker told Mr Garcia that he had seen a job advertised at La Tasca, on Bradshawgate, Bolton, and within a couple of weeks he was flying over to England.

He said: "I love it in Horwich because it is a very old town. You get to meet so many people who greet you by name.

"I came here to learn English but since being here I have made some wonderful friends.

"The best thing about this job is being allowed to be creative and to introduce many Spanish dishes. They sell very well and it's all been very encouraging for me."

Among Mr Garcia's specialities are paella, potato salad and tortilla.

And he is hoping the Spanish players at Alaves and Bilbao will pop in for a quick bite to eat as they play their two friendlies.

Alaves, who lost the Uefa Cup to Liverpool last season, will visit Bolton on August 7 while Bilbao will will play on August 3.

Mr Garcia said: "It would be really nice if they popped in to sample my food."

Horwich will also have something to offer the Greek first division side Aris Salonika on August 11. The Sokrates Greek restaurant, also on Winter Hey Lane, is just a few miles from the Reebok.