A FATHER and son who rescued a famous toffee firm from obscurity just over five years ago are extending their empire even further.

Gary Marston and his son, Peter, bought the Farrah's toffee firm, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, after news of its impending closure saw crowds besieging its old shop in the town.

They stormed the premises for what they believed would be the last supplies of what was once described as the Rolls Royce of the toffee world, packed in its trademark silver and blue embossed tins.

Since the Marstons took over, Farrah's sales of the toffee - known to be a favourite of the Queen - have boomed. And now the family-run firm has added another centre for chocoholics and sweets to its portfolio.

It takes over the Joneva chocolate shop in Masham Market Place, near Ripon, on August 31. Notable customers there included the Clarissa Dickson Wright and the late Jennifer Paterson, when they roared into Masham on their motorbike and sidecar to film the Two Fat Ladies television programme.

Since rescuing Farrah's, the Marstons acquired the Oldest Chemyst's Shoppe in England, at Knaresborough Market Place, and also have an outlet in Grassington.

Meanwhile, the Marstons success story, given the royal seal of approval when the Queen visited its tiny former factory in Back Chastworth Grove, Harrogate, in December 1998, has clinched major orders in Canada following a visit by Peter Marston.

Farrah's already has high-profile customers in America and sells to high street stores in Britain as well as tourist spots.

"Our exports have been particularly good lately and the Canadian business is involving repeat orders," said Mr Marston senior.

Farrah's also manufactures chocolates and fudge at its new factory in Starbeck, Harrogate.