A CHOCOLATE manufacturer with premises in Winchester has been presented gold in a set of national awards.

Handmade chocolate-makers, Chococo, in High Street, took home first prize for the Best Filled Chocolate - Alcohol category in this year's Academy of Chocolate Awards.

It was presented by judges for their Totally Twisted Nose - a gin and watercress-based chocolate, using the locally produced beverage, which was launched in time for Chocolate Week last year.

Now in its seventh year, the awards were handed out shortly after the panel's selection, which took place at Westminster Kingsway College, and was chaired by wine expert Charles Metcalfe.