WORKERS at a Preston chocolate factory are enjoying a taste of sweet success after their firm was put back into private hands.

All 75 jobs at Beech's Fine Chocolates, Fletcher Road, have been secured after the company was put into independent private ownership following its purchase from the Renshaw Scott Group, an international player in the chocolate industry.

Two of the firm's new owners include the company's chairman Andrew Whiting and commercial director Andy Scolefield, who have both enjoyed long careers in the chocolate confectionary industry.

The company's new chief executive officer is Dr Peter Heaps, who was a board director of Thorntons -- which has outlets in Preston and South Ribble -- and of Barry Callebaut, a key European chocolate supplier, prior to taking up his new post.

The three chocolate chiefs are now looking to recruit additional team members.

Beech's Fine Chocolates has been trading in the city for more than 80 years and is behind some of Europe's finest confectionary.

It specialising in making high quality chocolates, using traditional methods, and its products are available in many high street supermarkets including Booths.

These two photographs show the firm's workers taking part in the 1921 Preston Guild -- a year after the company was founded.

Now the new team are planning a substantial investment programme to modernise production facilities at the site in a bid to expand sales.

Branded names already supplied by the Deepdale firm include the Premiere Continental assortment, Chocolate Brazils and Chocolate Gingers.

And the bosses are planning to reinstate many of the company's old favourites including rose creams.

Chairman Andrew Whiting said: "The company has a long tradition for producing fine, quality confectionary, using the best ingredients, but still offering value for money. In response to customer demand, we are bringing back some favourites from our traditional portfolio."