WORKERS at a chocolate factory are getting a sweet treat- a visit from Prince Charles.

The Prince will take a look around new state-of-the-art facilities at House of Dorchester, Poundbury.

The company has a long history in the county town, established in 1963 by Richard and Christine Ungaretti and originally opened as the 'Dorset Maid' chocolate emporium in High West Street.

Over half a century later, the couple’s legacy lives on. In 2000, the Dorset Maid was re-named as the House of Dorchester - having moved from several sites as the company grew. The House of Dorchester arrived in Poundbury in 1998. The Prince Wales visited on July 7 of that year 1998 and again on December 12 Charbonnel et Walker bought the House of Dorchester on 22nd July 2014. From classic rose and violet creams to new innovations like sparkling truffle hearts and chilli flavoured chocolate, the company continues to make chocolates to its traditional recipes whilst proudly retaining its Dorchester roots.

The new extension was completed in July 2014 and adds a further 1234m² of space.

The House of Dorchester currently employs 75 workers, some of which have been with the company for more than 30 five years.

A spokesman said: "This exciting new phase will also offer further job opportunities within the local community.

"The new state of the art facilities include: • Internal insulation system, reducing the thermal cooling duty from 70kw to 38kw (This is done by reducing the transfer of heat from the sun in turn reducing the cooling duty required by the refrigeration plant.) • LED lighting to reduce the thermal load and reduce electric consumption.

• The manufacturing rooms were designed with a positive air system, eliminating the need for installation of a separate air conditioning units."

The Prince will meet and chat to staff before officially opening the new extension.