THE Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom MP, stopped in York to visit a chocolate shop and try some sweet treats produced by a business that celebrates the city's historic role in the confectionary industry.

Mrs Leadsom was travelling back to the capital after a cabinet meeting in Gateshead yesterday and scheduled in a stop at York Cocoa Works.

The workshop, store and cafe on Castlegate brings chocolate-making back to the city centre.

Owner Sophie Jewett, who also runs York Cocoa House cafe and shop on Blake Street, showed Mrs Leadsom around the Cocoa Works.

Mrs Leadsom said: "It's a fantastic place, it's absolutely beautiful - it is like a chocolate connoisseur's wine shop.

"It's just wonderful, the smell of those cocoa beans and that delicious chocolate."

Mrs Leadsom said it was good to be back in York and added: "It's a fantastic place for tourists to come and really enjoy unique products such as this.

"It's so lovely to hear the success story of growth, commitment and passion for chocolate. It's one of the great historic industries of this city."

"York is a fabulous place to go shopping. I came here last summer with my eldest son because we love train journeys and we love York."

York Cocoa Works opened in Castlegate in March.