THE latest title in the fascinating 'Pocket Cornwall' books from Penzance publisher Alison Hodge truly captures the flavour of the place.

Called 'Cornish Feasts and Festivals', it homes in on traditional festivals and links them with recipes.

Thus, a brief history of the famous Padstow 'Obby 'Oss day is followed by a recipe for mussels in saffron cream , appropriately enough as Padstow is one of the foodie towns of Cornwall.

And Bugle, in the heart of Cornwall's china clay country and home of the West of England Bandsmen's Festival since 1912, 'rings out to the harmonies and oom-pah-pahs of dozens of brass and silver bands'.

As in the industrial north, music seemed to flourish where tough working conditions existed.

After drinking in the music, what better than a tasty tea?

The Bugle entry is followed by a recipe for Cornish tea bread, which the book says is delicious with Earl Grey.

Closer to home, Callington Honey Fair in October is the place to be for the county's beekeepers to compare the summer season's produce.

Following the focus on the Honey Fair is a recipe for Metheglyn tart. Heard of it? Well, it contains six tablespoons of good local honey, of course, and is best served with clotted cream. Lovely.

But you wonder if some recipes travelled to and fro across the land — the mouthwatering Cornish under-roast looks suspiciously like Lancashire Hot-pot!

l Cornish Feasts and Festivals by Liz Woods and illustrated by Freya Laughton, is published by Alison Hodge, price £5.95.

Colin Brent