A MUCH-LOVED Cumbrian delicacy was flown more than 5,800 miles to be introduced to the people of Japan in hope it could one day rival sushi.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding was one of a select number of businesses given the chance to exhibit at the famous Hankyu British Fair in Osaka last month.

The annual event, organised by the Hankyu Department Store, has helped hundreds of British companies introduce their products to Japanese consumers for over 30 years.

Simon Johns, from the family business, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for us, as we continue to work towards increasing international awareness of our products.

"It was an extremely well organised event that provided us with the perfect platform to introduce Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding to Japanese customers.

"People were actually coming up to our stall and saying that they knew of Cartmel and had been to visit. It’s incredible to think that we’d travelled nearly 6,000 miles, yet could still meet people that knew of this tiny village in Cumbria.

"The show was a great success for us - sticky toffee was very well received and it was fantastic to be a part of representing the North West in Japan."

Japan isn't the only place abroad where you can find sticky toffee pudding.

Earlier this year the Cumbrian bakers announced that the delicious dessert was being stocked in Spinneys, a supermarket chain, in Dubai.

It's a stark contrast from the humble beginnings of the company when it was founded by Jean and Howard Johns in Cartmel village post office.

The Japanese invasion also comes as Cartmel Village Shop celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.