WHEN Russell Crowe jets off to his next far flung destination he will be taking a taste of St Helens with him thanks to Bartons Pickles.

Some celebrities attending special events can insist on riders, a list of requests for specific food or drink.

But Russell was treated to his batch of Barton’s finest containing chilli jam, pickled gherkins and sweet pickled onions thanks to chief pickler Joanna Jenner, who was keen that his superstar palate sampled the delicacy.

She explained: “Johnny Vegas suggested on Twitter getting him a basket of Bartons. But I thought how are we going to get it to him.

“A friend was going to the match and had a box next to Russell. There was a lady serving us who was serving him as well and she said she would give him the basket.

“She came over to us later and said that he was touched that someone got him a gift. He loved them and got the basket put in his car to take them back with him. If that lady hadn’t taken the trouble he wouldn’t have got them.”

Joanna, who managed to get a photo with the movie star said Crowe spent time chatting with fans and having his picture taken.

“There must have been hundreds coming up to him and he spent time with them. I don’t think he said no to anyone. The whole thing was great for our town so good on him. He was even lifting kids over the barrier to have their pictures taken.”

She said Crowe was treated to a basket of treats including chilli jam, pickled gherkins and sweet pickled onions.

“If he likes them all the better, but thanks to Johnny Vegas again for raising our profile.”