A FOOTBALL-mad chocolate maker from North Yorkshire has devised a new range of sweets for soccer fans to celebrate the start of the European Championships.

Chris East, who runs the Chocolate Factory, at Thornton-le-Dale and Hutton-le-Hole, with his brother Gareth, has crafted a range of chocolates in the shape of footballers, footballs and football boots.

Mr East, 28, who lives at Thornton-le-Dale, has made the sweets out of milk and white chocolate.

He said: "I love football, I'm a true England supporter and can't wait for Euro 2004 to kick off. I've created these moulded chocolates especially for football fans to celebrate the start of the tournament."

The chocolate factory opened in Thornton-le-Dale two years ago, and a second branch opened at Hutton-le-Hole in November.