A PIE-MAD Mexican student had a filling experience when he was treated to a trip round a bakery.

Jesus Alarcon tucked in to pastry delights at Ashworth's on Havelock Street, Preston, after seeing the products made from start to finish.

And on his wander round the factory on Friday (June 6) he was delighted to see that they make a spicy chilli pasty - a perfect reminder of home.

After his trip, and several complimentary pies, Jesus, a student at Hutton Grammar School said: "I really enjoyed the visit. There's nothing like it in my home town.

"I was surprised to hear they make chilli pasties. It gives me a taste of home."

The family-run firm invited the 17-year-old along after reading a Citizen story which revealed he wanted to stay in this country because of his love of steak and kidney pies.

John Ashworth, the firm's Sales and Marketing Director, said: "We were very proud to have him down at the bakery.

"We were only too glad to make friends with someone from another part of the world with the same love of pies." Jesus is all set to go back home for a month before he returns to Hutton to finish his A Levels.

He currently lodges with Karen Morley and two of her children in Penwortham, thanks to the EF Foundation charity which finds homes for foreign students who wish to study in England.

Next year he plans to live at the home of one of his new friends in Leyland.

Anyone willing to offer a foreign student a home from September should contact Malcolm Hordern of the EF Foundation on 626343.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.