A CHILLI festival proved a hot success after making its debut at St Helens town centre last weekend.

As part of the first St Helens Chilli Village Fiesta, residents were able to experience a taste of South America in Church Square as chilli producers from around the country exhibited products.

Those on offer included mild to titan slaying extreme chilli sauces, naga cooking sauces, naga dips, chilli pickles, chilli plants, chilli cheese and chilli jam – on what was a day of pure chilli mayhem.

Meanwhile, over in St Mary’s Market, mayor and mayoress Cllrs Dave and Jeanette banks were guests of honour at the launch a monthly antiques and collectors fair.

Taking place at the back of the market by the events space on the last Saturday of every month, shoppers can take a trip down memory lane and enjoy a day of nostalgia by viewing and purchasing vintage and retro items from yesteryear, including toys, comics, vinyl records, clothing and Americana.

Town centre manager Gary Maddock said: “It was great to stage the first St Helens Chilli Village Fiesta and based on the large attendance to the event we will be working with the event organiser to develop the event to make it even bigger next year.

“The St Helens Antiques and Collectors Fair in St Mary's Market has made a great start and we will continue to work closely event organisers to bring high quality events like this to St Helens. Working in partnership with the private sector is critical to the development of the town centre and borough.

"Residents and visitors alike can look forward to even more events for all the family to enjoy as part of our autumn events programme.”