IN the beginning there was vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream.

But now Boltonians can sample the delights of spaghetti.

Shoppers have become accustomed to a wide variety of dessert choice thanks to designer ice-cream brands such as Ben and Jerrys and Haagan Daas.

But this week, a new brand of Italian-inspired ice-cream went on sale in a bid to mark National Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Week.

For some, however, it left a nasty taste in the mouth.

Susan Olive, a 27-year-old employee at Morrisons, on Mornington Street, pulled her face when our photographer suggested she try a spoonful. She said: "I didn't like it because it's got some horrible bits on top. I wouldn't say it tasted like spaghetti,. It's got a strong raspberry taste."

Manager Ken Thomas, this may not have been what he wanted to hear. Sales of the Morrisons own-brand ice-cream had gone "very well" so far and it was being used for the supermarket's special week of all-things Italian.

Wendy Crossley, a fellow 20-year-old worker at Morrisons, saved the day however.

She said: "It's not bad. It does taste good but it's not a spaghetti flavour."

Rebeccah Roberts, aged 22, said: "It's nice and a bit creamy."

She shook her head and said "no" when asked if she would taste the "pasta."

National Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Week runs until Friday.