A WIRRAL chocolate company is celebrating after being named as one of the top small businesses in the UK.

The Chocolate Cellar will be among 100 local businesses being honoured as part of a campaign which ends on December 3- the UK’s dedicated day for small companies.

Chocolate-dipped pretzels, strawberries, chilli chocolate and macarons are just some of the treats sold through its online shop, farmers’ markets and other local outlets.

Founder Bala Croman said: “I learnt how to make chocolate through an online course.

“When testing my attempts on friends and family they encouraged me to sell them. So I started selling through local farmers market, then opened a shop and then expanded into the city centre.

“Sadly the rent and rates were extortionate and hard lessons were learnt about keeping my head above water.

“I closed the shop and started again from home and focused on areas other than just retail.

“This has helped to build our reputation as a first class small business providing amazing experiences for any age group.”

‘Small Business Saturday’ is already the UK's most successful small business campaign.

This is the fourth year of the campaign, which last year saw £623m spent with small businesses across the UK.