A Bedford charity is giving six children a chance to visit chocolate heaven and see their dream sweets made after winning a completion hosted by famous chocolatier Aneesh Popat.
Local charity Creating Memories has teamed up with Bedfordshire’s The Chocolatier, Aneesh, to grant six lucky children the chance to become mini chocolatiers for the day and design their very own chocolate creations.
The children with special educational needs, disabilities or life-limiting illnesses aged eight and over were asked to submit their designs to a judging panel.
Over 50 entries were received and last month a panel of judges, which included Aneesh, multi-Michelin Star Chef Jean Christophe Novelli, Chef Patti Sloley, and founder of Creating Memories Pritti Saggi chose the six winning designs.
Aneesh Popat said: “It was an absolute joy to see the amazing creations of these imaginative children.
“I have been inspired by their ideas and it has opened up a whole new world of chocolate combinations for me – I cannot wait to meet the little chocolate masters in person and to see them in the chocolate factory making yummy chocolates.”
Jean-Christophe Novelli added, “firstly, I was blown away by the fantastic entries that were submitted. It is always wonderful to see children using their creativity.
It was very difficult to narrow down the entries to just six as they were all amazing, such talented children.
“Secondly, I was honoured to be part of the judging panel for this special charity that is working so hard to help children live their dreams at a time when it is most needed. This is something very close to my heart.”
The children’s designs will also form part of a special box, which is now available to buy with some of the proceeds going to Creating Memories, helping create more moments to treasure for families.
The lucky winners have received their own box of chocolates and will also visit The Chocolatier’s factory to see how chocolate is made and have the chance to make their own chocolates too.
