A CHOCOLATE maker in the New Forest has scooped a national award.

Kerry Witt, owner of Chocolate by Miss Witt, took home a bronze award for her sea salt caramel chocolate from the Academy of Chocolate Awards.

Her Lymington-based business is a member of the New Forest Marque, a quality assurance scheme supported by the New Forest National Park Authority.

The awards saw more than 500 entries, a record number. The judging panel was chaired by wine expert Charles Metcalfe, and judges included chocolate experts and buyers, pastry chefs, food professionals and food journalists.

The prizes were presented at Fortnum and Mason in London.

All of the Miss Witt products use a unique ganache, made from specialist chocolate and Hildon water.

Miss Witt said: "I was so pleased to receive this award after my hard work to develop the recipe, which took several months to perfect.

‘When I started the chocolate company in 2012 I couldn't walk as I was waiting for a hip replacement at the age of 32. I feel so proud of my hard work and the progress in the industry I have made, which has resulted in being recognised in the chocolate industry at the highest level.

“I’m particularly grateful to the New Forest Marque for their support throughout the early months and years of the business, which has been invaluable.”

Her products are sold every Saturday at Lymington Market and at several New Forest shops.