VISITORS to Tavistock Pannier Market will be whisked to the Mediterranean this Saturday, as it plays host to  'Giovannis' Southern Italian Special' – a free live cookery demonstration being held between 11am and 3pm. 

Giovanni Sponziello is aiming to show how easy it is to prepare authentic, tasty dishes in no time and that can be a real fun family affair.

Giovanni will be ably assisted by former town mayor Cllr Mandy Govier and market reeve, Eddie Carruthers, so informality will be the keynote!

Giovanni has been a well-known figure in Tavistock and is as deeply passionate about supporting Tavistock as he is about his Italian life and culture.

Giovanni said: 'Tavistock has been very good to me and my family over the years with many people supporting us from the beginning — this is my way of showing my appreciation and sharing my passion with the people of Tavistock as well as having some fun and laughs with everyone too'.

Eddie Carruthers said: 'The market is delighted to be holding this event in conjunction with Giovanni.

'I'm looking forward to assisting Giovanni as long I don't have to wear a frilly apron!'

 Giovanni is also preparing a small booklet containing a selection of his favourite recipes for sale on the day, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the chosen charities of this year's mayor of Tavistock, Cllr David Whitcomb, which are 'Children's Hospice SW'  and 'Children with Leukemia'.