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

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

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

He said: "I love football. I am a true England supporter and cannot wait for Euro 2004 to kick off. I have 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.

The brothers are helped in the two shops by their mother, Elaine, who has lived with her husband, Tony, in Thornton-le-Dale for more than ten years.

The shops sell hand-made sweets made out of Belgian chocolate.

Chocolate animals and shapes are Mr East's speciality, and Thornton-le-Dale ducks and Hutton-le-Hole sheep are popular with tourists.