A CONFECTIONERY company based in Port Glasgow has tied up a sweet deal supplying goods to a luxury five-star hotel.

The New Chocolate Company has signed an exclusive Christmas contract with The Edinburgh Grand in the capital.

The firm, based at Kelburn Business Park, will supply its thistle disk chocolates for the hotel to present as gifts to guests over the festive season.

Chocolatier Brian Dick, who established the company 18 months ago with wife Joanne, said: "Working with The Edinburgh Grand is fantastic. "Partnering with such a prestigious brand gives us the boost we need to open up the luxury hotel market. "Coming just 18 months after the company's first contract, it is another important breakthrough for us."

The festive link-up follows previous collaborations between the chocolate company and the hotel for one-off gifts, and is a major step forward for the Port firm as it moves into the world of luxury hospitality.

Brian and his team have already started working with unique moulds made exclusively for them in Belgium.

Last month, the company was awarded a five-star accreditation from national tourism agency VisitScotland.

Gavin MacLennan, general manager of The Edinburgh Grand, said: "The New Chocolate Company offers us that wonderful combination of exceptional quality and a distinct Scottish product. "The chocolate is delicious and we are delighted to present the chocolate as a festive gift to our guests."

The Port company was founded in 2017 after Brian and Joanne attended their first ever chocolate making course, taught by world master chocolatier, Ruth Hinks. More training followed and they turned their hobby into a business, overseeing the design and development of the organisation.

It produces a wide range of sweet treats for the public and private sector clients, including Vango and the Scottish Parliament shop, as well as hosting chocolate workshops.