DARLINGTON MP Alan Milburn got a taste of the continent yesterday when he toured the town's French market.

The former Health Secretary met traders running the 16 stalls on High Row and sampled some of the regional French cheeses, olives and pates on offer.

He said: "It is wonderful to have a flavour of France on our doorstep, and it's a lovely treat for our shoppers. I welcome our French visitors and it's a good opportunity for us to share a little bit of their culture."

Mr Milburn was joined at the market by the area's Euro MP, Stephen Hughes