CANAL Walk will have an air of Venice about it for the next three days. There may not be any gondoliers and canals but there will be the tastes and smells of Italian cuisine.

The Italian Market arrives today and will be here until Sunday. Specialist Italian traders are in town for three days with their fresh produce, giving Swindonians a chance to experience the sounds, colour and aromas of Italy without having to jump on a plane.

There will be 15 stalls selling produce such as pastries, olives, fruit, vegetables, meat and olive oil. Other attractions include nougat, fish and ceramics.

There will also be stalls with Italian wines and chocolates.

Bernie Maguire, town centre manager, said: "This will be the third time the Italian market has come to Swindon.

"We hope it will become an annual event.

"People should come and see it, and particularly smell the garlic and the bread."

"I always stock up on cheeses when they come."

Mr Maguire said he hopes to confirm soon that a German market will be coming to town for the month leading up to Christmas Eve.

The Italian Market will be in Canal Walk until Sunday (22nd).