TODAY is World Chocolate Day - an annual event dedicated to all things cocoa-based. Here is a round-up of places in Dorset and the New Forest where any self-respecting chocoholic can have their addiction satisfied...

1. The Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth. Guests are invited to indulge their every chocoholic whim and impulse. Chocolate treats and fountains are dotted around the hotel which has an in-house chocolatier. You can even request to have a chocolate fountain in your room.

2. Chococo in Swanage. Set up by Andy and Claire Burnet, Chococo has been making award-winning handmade chocolates since 2002 using local produce, including fresh Dorset cream. The café is set away from the main Swanage high street and has a viewing area where you can see chocolate being made.

3. Chocol8 in Westbourne. This quirky pink coffee and chocolate shop in the heart of Westbourne is renowned for serving fine Italian coffee, cakes and chocolate as well as bespoke chocolate gifts.

4. Chocolate by Miss Witt, New Forest. The award-winning chocolatier creates an array of exotic and aromatic combinations such as blackcurrant and star anise; orange marmalade and Glenfiddich whisky and Lapsang Souchong and apricot.

5. All You Can Eat Chocolate Buffet at the Cottonwood Hotel in Bournemouth. Each chocolate station showcases different flavours, from white to dark chocolate and everything in between, including chocolate trifles, chocolate mousses, chocolate pancakes, chocolate waffles and chocolate fountains. Next one takes place at 1pm on Sunday, September 16.