WHEN it comes to delicious treats at Royal Ascot, this North Yorkshire company has made it a one-horse race.

The Chocolate Factory launched these unusual bespoke chocolate horse figures to mark the festival of racing in York.

The company, which creates the delights at a factory at Hutton-le-Hole and has a shop at Thornton-le-Dale, created the sweets in mouth-watering real Belgian chocolate.

Director Chris East, pictured above, left, who will be attending Royal Ascot with his brother and fellow company director Gareth, pictured right, said the sweets were a "quirky gesture".

He said: "Following initial feedback, we are hoping that it will be a race to the finish to supply demand as the horses already seem to be a firm favourite."

The chocolates were available in milk, plain or creamy white chocolate and cost £3.25. The company also created footballs, trains, dinosaurs and Thornton-le-Dale ducks.

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, May 25, 2005