LOVE is in the air for a Port confectionery firm after the owners launched their first Valentine’s Day range.

The New Chocolate Company has had a busy order book in the run-up to the most romantic day of the year.

The Kelburn Business Park-based organisation has gone from strength to strength since it was established by husband and wife duo Brian and Joanne Dick almost 12 months ago.

They have expanded their range and created a host of Valentine’s inspired goodies, with everything from boxes of filled chocolates to heart-shaped lollipops.

Brian has even developed a chocolate heart which can conceal an engagement ring, for those looking for a sweet way to pop the question.

He said: “This is our first year of Valentine’s products.

“We want to make sure everything looks top end — that’s what we’re about.

“We want to be the best.”

Brian and Joanne, who live in the Port, are qualified chocolatiers and play a hands-on role in the factory after turning their hobby into a business.

Staff have been recruited to cope with increasing demand for their sought-after goods.

They manufactured and supplied 600 boxes of chocolates to Glasgow Life for VIPs and volunteers at the World Badminton Championships in the city in August and fulfilled a large order for the sport’s Scottish Open Grand Prix.

Their goods are in demand with local businesses too and they have been hosting special Valentine’s chocolate-making classes, with more lined up for Easter.

Joanne said: “We’ve improved hugely and we’re producing a lot more and have brought in more machinery to allow us to do that.

“Everything is hand-made.

“All the fruit-flavoured chocolates are made with real fruit and natural ingredients and we’re Fair Trade now too.”

As well as ensuring each item tastes incredible, staff are passionate about the look of the goods.

Chocolatier Louise Hopkins, who lives in the Port, said: “A lot of time and effort goes into our chocolates and presentation is very important.

“We’re producing a lot and it has to be presented well.”