IT'S not just athletes who have been winning gold medals this summer, as a Bucks chocolatier swept the board at the Great Taste Awards.

Entries from Auberge du Chocolat, which is based in Chesham and Gerrards Cross, were described as 'chocolate heaven' by the judging panel as the company equalled its success from last year.

In total the firm won seven gold medals - matching last year's best-ever haul and taking their total to a staggering 21 golds over four years.

The family-run business took top prize for its Raspberry Pate chocolate, Chocolate Praline, Earl Grey chocolate, Vanilla chocolate, Ecuador 76% chocolate bar, vanilla ice cream and Natural Frozen Yoghurt with Agave Nectar Ripple.

Managing Director Anne Scott said: “We are delighted with these awards. We thought it would be difficult to match last year’s performance and are very pleased to have matched that.

"Winning them recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into making superb ice cream and chocolate.

"We have focussed this year on expanding our chocolate business. Our son, Jonathan, has amazing flair in creating delicious chocolate flavours and this is clearly demonstrated in these awards. In some cases, for example the praline, he is able to take a traditional chocolate and just give it a touch of magic.

"Other chocolates are stunning new innovations, for example for raspberry pate where he has a jelly of fresh raspberries over a fruity ganache - described by the judges as 'chocolate heaven'."

Bob Farrand, Chairman of The Great Taste Awards, said: “Winning gold in the country’s largest and most respected independent food accreditation scheme is a massive pat on the back for any producer - independent proof their products are of the highest quality. Every winner should feel very proud that their hard work has been rewarded.”