A YORK sweet manufacturer has created fudge which tastes like hot cross buns - just in time for Easter.

Tangerine Confectionery at Poppleton is supplying six tonnes of the seasonal treat to Marks & Spencer stores across the country.

Staff at Tangerine have been busy packing almost 600,000 pieces of fudge into 30,000 boxes.

An M & S spokeswoman said the idea for the fudge, which took inspiration from the classic flavours of the traditional hot cross bun, came through a collaboration between Tangerine and the retailer's own confectionery experts.

Tangerine, which also has factories at Pontefract, Cleackheaton, Blackpool and Liverpool, has been supplying sweet treats, including toffee and fudge, to M & S for over 20 years, she said.

"The company expects that the new hot cross bun fudge will be a big hit with customers looking for something a little bit different."

Dee Waterworth, senior national account manager at Tangerine Confectionery, said: “We’ve been creating traditional sweets for almost 50 years but this Easter we wanted to do something a little bit different that would really capture people’s attention.

"Our team has been busy perfecting flavours and we hope M&S customers enjoy our modern twist on two classic British treats.”

The M&S spokeswoman said: “Easter is one of our favourite times of the year, with so many tasty treats for customers to enjoy. Every year we try to create something a bit different that really has the wow factor and will complement our traditional range of chocolate eggs and sweets.

"Our hot cross bun fudge really is delicious and we think that people will enjoy our latest innovation.”

The Luxury Fudge Selection is priced at £5 and is available in stores now. Each pack contains a selection of Hot Cross Bun flavoured fudge and also All Butter Fudge.