NESTLE Rowntree has made a major commitment to the future of its York site with the launch of an exciting new chocolate range, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Low-carbohydrate versions of the company's flagship KitKat and Rolo brands are to hit the shops this summer, after millions of pounds were spent on developing the chocolate at Nestl's York laboratories.

A senior source told the Evening Press that it was Nestl's "biggest development since the launch of KitKat Chunky".

The special chocolate is specifically aimed at the millions of people who are on the high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet, which has proved a massive worldwide success.

But the product won't come cheap, with a pack of low-carb Rolos believed to be costing £1.49. A standard pack costs just 35p.

The source said scientists at Nestl's York laboratories had taken five years to develop the chocolate and its launch was deliberately delayed until they could "get the taste right".

"If it proves to be a success they will consider rolling it out to other Nestl products," the source said.

"This is a very significant development for the company and a real breakthrough."

The launch is seen as further evidence of Nestl's continued commitment to their flagship York factory. Workers at the Terry's factory were recently left devastated at the announcement by owners Kraft Foods that it was to close.

The low-carb KitKats will be made at Nestl's Wigginton Road factory in York, while the Rolos will be made at Newcastle.

Bosses at the GMB union, which represents 1,544 Nestl workers, said the launch highlighted the company's commitment to York.

"It signals a clear message that Nestl, through its investment, have a long-term policy to retain production in York.

"Innovation in products such as this should give long-term job security to our members."

Dave Taylor, a spokesman for inward investment body, York-England.com, added: "These are the opportunities which arise when a company like Nestle has invested in their factory."

Long-suffering Atkins dieters, who are largely restricted to eating meat or fish in their struggle to lose weight, said the new product would give them a lift.

Dieter Linda Madden, from Stamford Bridge, said: "Our options are very limited on the diet so I'm sure it will be good news for those who love eating chocolate."

Updated: 14:04 Monday, May 24, 2004