A KIRKBY Lonsdale man has brought a 'deli with a twist' to the town.

Trained chef Paul May, who once owned The Royal, said he was 'absolutely loving' running the new Churchgate Deli, on Market Street.

Mr May said the business idea appealed to him because he was passionate about deli food, and was a bit of a 'cheese-oholic'.

He added: "I am also selling little takeaway boxes of Thai and Indonesian food. I worked with Eastern Asian people for three years and learned to cook that type of food, so I thought it would be good to offer something that little bit different, as well as the deli produce and wraps and paninis."

He also stocks wine, beer, chutneys, homemade jams and more, most of which comes from the Cumbria, north Lancashire and Yorkshire area.

But the Scot wanted to make sure he did not forget his Edinburgh roots, and has made sure there is a little bit of his heritage on sale.

"One of my suppliers sells haggis flavoured crisps and Edinburgh rock, so I thought they would be nice in the deli just to remind me of home. I also have a little corner of my cheese counter with Scottish cheeses in.

" Although starting out at the hardest time of the year, he said the quiet period would not put him off.

"It's always hard for businesses in January and February, and we've had such terrible weather too," he added.

"But the people of Kirkby Lonsdale have been so supportive. I am just going to keep my head down, getting different products and a bigger range, and keep enjoying it."

The deli also has a seating area, which allows for a social gathering every Friday evening. Visitors are invited to order a glass of wine, or a bottle, eat some nibbles and unwind after the working week, or make it the start of a night out.

Mr May said: "I turn the lights down and we have some music on and it's just a really relaxing atmosphere." Churchgate Deli is open seven days a week from 8.30am - 5pm, and also from 6pm - 9pm on Friday.