Richard Phillips with Sian Holt, founder of Fudge Kitchen

Celebrity chef and Kent restaurant owner Richard Phillips has opened a fudge factory that has created 10 jobs in east Kent.

Fudge Kitchen celebrated 30 years in business last night by unveiling the dedicated specialist fudge-making operation.

The business started with a fudge shop in Blackpool and has expanded to eight shops countywide, including one in Canterbury.

Now a new factory has opened in Aylesham, near Canterbury.

Founder Sian Holt won a £110,000 interest-free loan from the Expansion East Kent scheme to enable the project to go ahead. The firm was identified as having high growth potential by BSK-CIC, the business support organisation.

Mr Phillips, who champions Kentish produce, said: "You can tell by eating this fudge that this is quality, and there's love that's gone into making it. This is all produced from the heart. People will take this fudge and be fudge-lovers for ever."

Ms Holt paid tribute to her 60 "fantastic" staff across the country. "We've survived two major recessions, six general elections and who knows how many Chancellors of the Exchequer.

"Four years ago, we made the decision to investigate the wholesaling of our gourmet fudge as a strategy for growth rather than setting up new stores."

Fudge Kitchen supplies to Selfridges, John Lewis, Lakeland and a host of smaller outlets. It recently introduced drinking fudge.