Mohamed Alhir, a silversmith, flew to the UK last week on a flight paid for by family and co-workers with an array of jewellery to sell to the western market.

Although more used to searing 50 degree heat in his native Mali Mr Alhir is braving the great British summer taking up pitches around the area, including Petersfield market last Saturday.

The nomadic Tuareg is staying with friends Sonhild and Christopher Grey, in St Peter’s Road, for a week before he moves on to London to continue his entrepreneurial expedition.

Mali is one of the world’s poorest countries so the £500 return ticket represents a significant investment by Mr Alhir and his backers and he will have to work hard to recoup his expenses.

On Thursday evening, between 6pm-8pm, Mr Alhir will be displaying some of his silverware at 12 St Peter’s Road, and will be brewing up genuine Saharan tea, a central pillar of Tuareg culture.

With some interpretation from his native French by Mrs Grey, Mr Alhir told the Post that he enjoyed his time with Petersfield marketeers.

He said: “Everyone was speaking to me and asking me questions about where I come from and taking photographs of me. Everyone was very friendly.”

Mrs Grey said Mr Alhir had enjoyed his stay in Petersfield so far.

“He likes England and was amazed by the greenery we have here as there have been so many bad droughts in Mali,” she said.

“He likes the English culture and says the people are calm and respectful.”

For more information about Mr Alhir’s tea evening contact Mrs Grey on 01730 301510.