THE iconic pasty – a true staple of Cornish food – has been launched as a crisp flavour on supermarket shelves across the county.

Lusty Pirate hand-cooked crisps are a new venture by St Austell couple Sharon and David Parker, who have owned Boscundle Manor Hotel for seven years.

The snack will be created from Cornish potatoes whenever they are in season.

Sharon said: "Having lived in Cornwall for most of my adult life I appreciate a good pasty and thought, why not have a Cornish pasty flavour crisp?

"Upon opening the bag, the first thing that strikes you is the remarkable aroma of a Cornish pasty.

"And the pleasure continues with the taste.

"They really do taste like the pasties we buy from our local shop."

The crisps were launched in Tesco at the end of February and sold £500 worth last week alone.

The packet features four Cornish legends – King Arthur, the Giant of St Michael's Mount, the Mermaid of Zennor and the Falmouth sea monster.

Tesco, which prides itself on championing local foods, has more than 700 regional products on sale across the area, a figure that's rapidly rising.

Jo Wren, regional marketing manager for Tesco said: "It is fantastic to see new local products emerging, especially at such challenging times as we are experiencing now.

"But it clearly demonstrates the increasing demand by Tesco's customers for local and regional food and drink in the West Country."