A FORMER Terry’s worker has returned to the York chocolate factory in her retirement - after buying a home on the site.

Kath Blackett, 84, who worked in the packing department, says her new home at The Chocolate Works in Campleshon Road is the perfect place for her to downsize to.

“The fact that I’m now living in an area where I share so many happy memories is a real bonus,” she said.

“I hold Terry’s very dear to my heart, so it’s fantastic to see the area coming to life once again.

“The area was in disrepair, so it’s positive to see it receive a new lease of life.

“It’s become the happy, welcoming hub it once was – which is a huge credit to the architects and developers alike.

“It’s a shining example of the positive impact careful and sympathetic investment can have on an area.”

The factory closed its doors in 2005 and fell into disrepair, but David Wilson Homes is building new homes in the grounds surrounding the iconic building off Bishopthorpe Road where Chocolate Orange and All Gold were made.

Kath said she had happy memories of a community workplace built on loyalty and hard work.

She said she decided to live there when she was looking to downsize and heard that the site of her old workplace was being redeveloped with two, three and four bedroom homes.

“My former property had grown too big for me and I had decided it was time to downsize to somewhere smaller.

“I was intrigued from the offset – I know the site well from my factory days, and love the area.

“Initially I thought I would go along and have a look out of curiosity to see how they had developed the site I once called work, but I was pleasantly surprised by the homes I saw.”

She said her new home was spacious but manageable for her, and was perfect for when she was entertaining her four grandchildren.

It was also easy for access to town, while still being away from the hustle and bustle.

“It really is the ideal place for me to continue my retirement.”

For more information on the scheme, go to www.dwh.co.uk.