WORKERS at a chocolate factory were served a sweet treat and given a helping hand from Prince Charles.

The Prince was taken on a tour of the new state-of-the-art facilities at The House of Dorchester today, marking the opening of their new warehouse extension.

HRH was only too happy to get involved with the team and help put some of the final touches on their wide selection of treats.

Matthew Tarran, senior innovation, product and technical manager, had the pleasure of showing the Prince round the factory.

He said: "Today went really well. This is the third time we have had him here. This is definitely the longest he has been here seeing how the factory works. Last time he had a go at pumping the fondants so this time we showed him the cutting of the chocolate and let him do that and showed him the different journeys of the chocolates. We were also able to focus on the ideas and chocolates we are working on for next Christmas. It's nice to get him involved, which he is always happy to do."

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

More than half a century later, the couple's legacy lives on. In 2000 the Dorset Maid was re-named as The House of Dorchester.

The House of Dorchester arrived in Poundbury in 1998. The Prince visited them on July 7 1998 and again on December 12 2008.

Today the company is still going from strength to strength.

The new extension was completed in July 2014 and adds a further 1234m2 of space, giving the company greater storage facilities.

The House of Dorchester currently employs 75 staff.

Caroline Billings, factory operator, has been at the company for 36 years and was delighted that the Prince had recognised her from one of his previous visits.

She said: "Today went really well. It was good to see him again and have him shown round the factory. He is very down to earth and it was nice to see him get involved."

Galvin Weston, chairman of Charbonnel et Walker, who bought The House of Dorchester on July 22 2014, said the day had been a great success.

He said: "I think the Prince thoroughly enjoyed his visit. It was nice to see him focus on the team and the staff. He was very interested in the factory and how it has growing."

All staff members gathered in the new warehouse extension as the Prince thanked the workers for all their hard work.

Prince Charles said: "I opened the factory in 1998 and I am thrilled to be back and that it's extending and that it provides so much employment locally. It gives me the greatest pleasure to open this extension."