A LONG weekend of chocolate-themed celebrations came to an end in York yesterday.

The city's biggest ever Chocolate Festival saw thousands of visitors flock to the chocolate market in Parliament Street, while other events around York included Easter fun at York Castle Museum, chocolate demonstrations in St Sampson's Square, and a broadcast of a documentary by Radio York on life of the chocolate factory workers through the ages.

Throughout the weekend, workers at York Cocoa House made more than 2,000 chocolate lollypops with visitors, while others attempted to break the world record for sorting Smarties by colour using only chopsticks.

Sophie Jewett, owner of York Cocoa House, said: "The weather has been great and it's felt like town has been in a celebratory Bank Holiday atmosphere and traders seem to have had a great time in the market.

"It's our third year and this year we've been able to gain much more support from businesses within the area and the attractions have put on their own activities so it's been great to see how that collaborative support has helped construct something and add to that festival feel."

Sophie said plans were already underway for next year's festival, with feedback and ideas from traders and visitors over the weekend under consideration.