DAVID BURNS makes chocolates for the aristocracy. Even Prince Charles is said to be a finger-licking fan.

And now the former Astley lad has scooped a rare honour.

His company have been made honorary members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen - as a tribute to their quality and craftsmanship.

Yet his career in confectionary began so quietly when, after leaving St Mary's RC High, he began working for Dawson's Bakers in Tyldesley.

"Then I joined Waterfield's in Leigh and was taught to make chocolates," said 35-year-old David.

Now he runs Audrey's which has shops in Hove and Brighton and supplies chocolates to London's "royal" shop, Fortnum & Mason.

There, at the Piccadilly store 18 months ago, David was introduced to Prince Charles, who, it was said, enjoyed Audrey's Chocolates.

Those chocs are now sent around the world.

And their quality was recognised with this rare award to David who joined the company only five years ago but took control after the death of the original owners in 1997.

"They wanted to pass their skills onto someone who would continue the business in the traditional way," explained David.

"The chocolates will still be made and decorated by hand we will continue to use the original recipes.

"This award is a great honour. It has been bestowed on only a few people."

His parents still live in Green Avenue, Astley, where his father John said: "We are very proud of him."

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