Chocoholics enjoy sweet taste of success

The popular Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival has won the hearts – and taste buds – of people across the region.

The fourth annual festival has scooped a prize at this year’s Manchester Tourism Awards, taking the 'Small Event of the Year' category for events which attract up to 50,000 people.

Festival organisers Ruth Shedwick of Bury Council and Paul Morris, owner of the Chocolate Café in Ramsbottom, picked up the award at a glittering ceremony held at The Lowry.

Paul said: “We're surprised and delighted to be recognised at these awards and hopefully this will strengthen the town’s position as a great place to visit and enjoy the many events that Ramsbottom has to offer.”

And Ruth added: “I'm delighted to have received the award. The festival drew in 25,000 people which has been of considerable benefit to the wide range of small independent shops, services and other businesses within Ramsbottom. We hope that next year’s event does even better.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 November 2012.

Picture attached: Ruth Shedwick and Paul Morris (right) at the Manchester Tourism Awards with (left) Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, and a representative of sponsors MediaCo.