A long-established chocolatier is hoping to become even more eco-friendly in the year ahead.

Friars based in Keswick, offers a wide range of confectionary products both online and in its Ambleside and Keswick stores.

Brothers Michael and Richard Webster now hold the reins of the family-run business, which was set up in 1927 by their grandmother's brother, William Long.

After a busy Christmas period, the pair have shared their hopes to further reduce the environmental impact of the business in 2022.

Their own branded products are already produced with 93 per cent recyclable packaging but they want to increase this to 100 per cent by the end of the year.

Michael said: "That is something we will achieve this year. It's a good thing to do and customers want that. It costs more to do it. You're looking at three times more expensive for a compostable alternative."

Friars are one of the first chocolate-makers to start moving towards completely biodegradable packaging.

The company has seen online sales continue to grow over the last few years, which has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.

A vegan-only website is also due to launch to further support their vegan brand, Kakoa, which is all made in Keswick.

"It's a rapidly growing part of the business," Michael said. "We've done it for a few years and it just keeps on growing so needs its own website. We're always making new products and doing new things."

Friars are lead innovators in developing plant-based chocolate with flavoured centres. They were the first to make a prosecco truffle and then shortly after followed up with a gin truffle. They also invented a famous hot cross bun truffle.

A team of chocolatiers make their own branded chocolates by hand. Any new chocolate must meet certain requirements to get past a strict tasting panel.

The rose and violet creams are the same ones that William Long sold on the first day of opening, nearly 100 years ago.

Go to: www.friars.co.uk or visit the stores to purchase goods.