ST PIRAN'S DAY: STEVE BACKS PASTY PROTECTION BID

12.58.01pm GMT Fri 5th Mar 2010

Cornishman and Prospective MP Steve Gilbert tucks into a Cornish pasty on St Piran's Day

Steve Gilbert, the Prospective MP for St Austell & Newquay, has marked St Piran's Day with a visit to Rowe's Bakery to give his backing to the campaign to protect the Cornish Pasty.

Steve Gilbert, who spent time with staff and customers at the Rowe's Bakery shop in Newquay said:

"As well as being a symbol of Cornwall, the pasty plays a real role in the local economy supporting thousands of jobs. We all know there is nothing like a Cornish pasty and it's time that the European Commission got on with the job of protecting our pasty from dodgy imitations from over the border."

The Cornish Pasty Association is currently waiting for the European Commission to grant final approval for the Protected Geographic Indicator (PGI) status for the Cornish pasty.

Steve said, "It's a real shame that some people are trading on our heritage without their pasties coming anywhere near Cornwall. It's time for the European Commission to finish the job and protect our proper Cornish pasties!"

Once granted PGI status only Cornish pasties made in Cornwall to a traditional recipe will be called "Cornish Pasties".