SWEET-TOOTHED Britons are the chocoholics of Europe, according to a new survey.

Last year, we devoured 11.2kg (24.7lb) of the stuff - the equivalent of munching through 266 Mars bars.

But now chocoholics in Dorset are being challenged by the British Heart Foundation to give up the sweet stuff in March ahead of its DECHOX fundraising campaign.

The BHF poll revealed that almost half of people in the South West held their hands up to being a chocoholic with more than half admitting to having scoffed a share bag or large chocolate bar alone, in one sitting.

When the cravings hit, it seems nothing can stand in their way with nearly a third of people eating chocolate past its sell by date whilst almost admitting to eating chocolate off the floor.

The BHF say it’s time for a DECHOX and is calling on chocolate-lovers across the county to give up their favourite sweet treats for March and get sponsored to raise money for life saving research.

Last year, more than 19,000 people took part in DECHOX, raising almost £800,000 in the fight against heart disease. Now the BHF is hoping to raise £1million next year.

Tracy Parker, BHF Heart Health Dietician, said: “It’s no secret that we’re a nation of chocolate-lovers and it’s extraordinary how far people are willing to go for a sweet treat."

But she stresses that chocolate should be an occasional treat rather than an everyday habit.

"Especially as a single chocolate bar averages 250kcals, equivalent to around 10 per cent of a man’s and 12 per cent of a woman’s recommended daily intake, in one sitting, " she told Taste.

“By joining thousands of people and signing up to DECHOX you’ll have a great support network around you to kick that chocolate habit. Whilst it’s only a bit of fun to challenge yourself to dump the chunk for one month, it could be a great way to get into better eating habits and the money raised through sponsorship will help fund vital research to help the 7 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK.”

Whether you’re an undercover chocolate eater, a crafty nibbler or a full-on midnight fridge raider, deep down you know it’s time to dump the chunk and give chocolate the finger!

To find out more and to sign up visit bhf.org.uk/dechox, follow on Facebook or meet fellow Dechoxers #DECHOX