A CONFECTIONERY brand has designs on becoming York's next big 'chocolate story' as it hits the shelves of major retailers.

The Wizards Magic launched a year ago and has since secured listings with a growing number of national outlets, including Sainsburys, Ocado and David Lloyd.

The Upper Poppleton-based team is now celebrating deals with Harvey Nicholls, Hamleys and Waterstones.

The Wizards Magic which will have a stall at York's St Nicholas Fayre has a stellar team driving its success in stores and across social media, with company directors including English actors, Oliver and James Phelps, pictured below, who played the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter films, alongside ex England rugby captain Mike Tindall and ex-professional rugby players, brothers Charlie and James Simpson-Daniel.

York Press:

Steven Rush, director of sales and business development, said: "It has gone crazy. I think it's because people are now open to something new, something different.

"We are still a new business and we are in the likes of Sainsburys, Harvey Nicholls, Selfridges, Hamleys, Waterstones - the list is just getting bigger. To say we are 12 months into a new brand we are very much on our way, I hope one day, to being York's next chocolate story. These are exciting times."

Steven said competition in the confectionary category was fierce.

"You really have to stand out. It wasn't just the innovation that we decided to try and change in that category. It was everything from where we sourced our cocoa from, being able to trace every bean to the farmer and his family who grew it, and making sure everything is ethical, sustainable, recyclable. That's what is bringing the attention of customers and retailers."