A CHOCOLATE shop has created a fun way for customers to pledge their allegiance to a political candidate in the upcoming European Elections – while also contributing to the upkeep of the town.

Mocha, an independent coffee and chocolate specialist in Richmond, has launched the The Mocha European Election Bunometer, which allowed customers to buy a cupcake with the coloured icing of their political party for £1, which will go towards flowers to support Richmond in Bloom.

Dennis and Elizabeth Graves who run the shop, said it was started as a bit of fun to help raise funds for the appeal.

Mr Graves said: "We launched the 'Bunometer' on Thursday and already we have had about 40 cake sales.

"My wife has bakes the buns and for each sale we pipe on the name of the party that is chosen, and then we mark it on the leader board."

Mr Graves said that UKIP, Conservatives and Labour were all performing poorly; The Yorkshire Party and Liberal Democrats coming in a close-run for first; Brexit Party third and Green Party in fourth.

He added: "We are helping support Richmond in Bloom, and all proceeds from the poll will go towards plants ahead of judging in June."

Mocha is in Trinity Square, Richmond.