MADE in Ashford can now be the proud boast of one of the nation’s premier chocolate maker who has pledged his expansion plans to the town.

L’Artisan du Chocolat run by master maker Gerard Coleman and his partner Anne Weyns, from Brabourne Lees, have this month opened their state-of-the-art production depot in Long Barrow, Obital Park, Sevington.

They supply restaurants run by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, department stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Masons, British Airways while celebrities like Lulu and Simon and Yasmin Le Bon are regular customers.

Acclaimed chef Heston Blumenthal, who runs the multi-award winning Fat Duck restaurant, said: "Gerard’s chocolates are so delicious how anyone cannot resist them is beyond me."

Mr Coleman said: "We have come to Ashford for the quality of life and have found a perfect site to expand.

"We only use the freshest products sourced locally, including Kentish fresh herbs and seasonal products like Bramley apples."