A BUSINESS is tasting sweet success after achieving a coveted quality standard.

The Little Chocolate Shop, in Leyburn, has been awarded an Investors in People award.

From small beginnings in a basement, the shop now has five employees plus additional staff in peak holiday seasons.

It hosts factory visits for tourists who come to see its hand-crafted chocolates being made.

The Little Chocolate Shop owner and managing director Clare Gardiner said: "We are thrilled to have achieved the award and I would recommend the process to all growing businesses.

"It has proved an excellent way to take a fresh look at not only how we recruit and train staff but also many other aspects of running a company."

The firm gained the award after receiving help from Business Link.

Business Link advisor Helen Gisbourne said: "Clare has involved her whole team in the process of achieving the Investors in People standard.

"Her firm is an excellent example of how the process can help a business to improve performance and set foundations for further expansion."