A Richmond chocolatier has won five gold awards at a chocolate academy ceremony.

William Curley Chocolatier, which has been in Paved Court in Richmond since 2004, got the golds at this year’s Academy of Chocolate awards.

Academy of Chocolate chairman Sara Jayne-Stanes said: “Chocolate producers regard the academy’s awards as a top accolade.

“The winning products are entitled to use the academy’s exclusive award logo on pack which gives chocolate lovers a marque to look for.

“The awards are a valuable way for producers to build credibility as a skilled artisan business and gain recognition for their products as meeting the highest standards of integrity and craft - and of course, giving us the pleasure of eating fine chocolate.”

Last month, head pastry chef Sarah Frankland won a dessert and wine pairing award and the team’s youngest apprentice, 19-year-old Sophie Bamford, won the David Lyall Scholarship competition held at Sheffield College.