Vampires beware - the first few days of July in Vessalico are particularly unwelcoming for the fanged humans, as the town celebrates its unique production of garlic.

Notable for its intense flavour, this particular smelly stuff is grown at over 4,000 metres above sea level.

July's fair gives garlic-lovers the chance to peruse the fantastic displays of the stuff, beautifully interwoven in a traditional manner in an art known as reste, which has been practiced for hundreds of years by the local farmers.

Other entertainment throughout the day on July 2nd include folkloric performances and an evening ball.

Vessalico's garlic fair was first held over 200 years ago in 1760.

The town is most famous for its production of the much sought-after red garlic 'aglio rosso', which is very rare and number only a few each year - around 3,000 strings, each containing 24 heads.