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 by unveiling the fudge-making operation in Cooting Road, Aylesham.

The business started with a fudge shop in Blackpool and has expanded to eight shops countywide, including Canterbury. The fudge is made in full view of the public.

Founder Sian Holt won a £110,000 interest-free loan from the Expansion East Kent scheme - using money from the £35m Regional Growth Fund - to enable the project to go ahead.

The firm was identified as having high growth potential by BSK-CIC, the Rochester-based business support organisation, and given advice throughout the bidding process.

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 fudge” staff across the country and said the new venture was a momentous occasion. “We’ve survived two major recessions, six general elections and who knows how many Chancellors of the Exchequer,” she told guests.

“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.” The new production facility would create “a new category of premium confectionery which has bridged the gap between existing fudge and higher-end chocolate.”

Fudge Kitchen now makes some 40 varieties, supplying to Selfridges, John Lewis, Lakeland, the British Museum and a host of other outlets. Its newest product is drinking fudge.