DARLINGTON Women’s Club were treated to an afternoon of delicious treats as a chocolate expert told them: "Chocolate is good for you."

The group welcomed Alan Dixon, affectionately known as “The Choc Doc”, to their May lunch. Mr Dixon heads up Special Edition Chocolate, a small company in the Lincolnshire Wolds which produces award winning handmade chocolate.

The highlight of the visit came when Mr Dixon unveiled a dazzling array of his own chocolate, from chocolate drops and mouth watering Victorian buttons, to bars of white, milk and dark chocolate and specially flavoured chocolates such as coffee, lemon and ginger.

As samples of his own quality product were enjoyed by the women, Mr Dixon gave a talk in which he outlined a brief history of chocolate.

He focused on the role of British chocolate companies Quakers, Fry, Cadbury and Rowntree, in establishing good working conditions in their chocolate factories.

He illustrated how the ethical legacy of these companies can be seen in attempts to teach today's cocoa farmers to use modern farming methods and reject the abuse of child labour.

Mr Dixon spoke of the medicinal qualities of using 100% cocoa butter in treating skin conditions such as eczema. He also claimed that this cocoa butter can speed up the healing process after serious operations.

The ladies were delighted to hear how consuming 9 to 15 grams of dark chocolate a day can help protect against diabetes and cardio-vascular conditions, as well as keeping down cholesterol levels.

Reflecting on Mr Dixon’s positive message regarding chocolate, press secretary Jo Jones said: “If ever there was a premise guaranteed to win over a roomful of women, this was it.”

When the talk ended, the women were happy to heed Mr Dixon’s advice. They swiftly made their way to his stall in order to, once again, enjoy his chocolate.