CHOCOLATE loving residents at Priory Hall retirement village in Halstead have been learning the tricks of the chocolate-making trade, while testing a few sweet goodies for themselves.

Sarah Knights from Chappel Chocolate House visited the Hallmark Developments community in Dame Mary Walk to show off her skills to 20 residents.

Along with her assistant Laraine Dear, she talked the audience through how to temper chocolate, and demonstrated how to make two types of caramel, coffee, and rosemary and sea salt.

She also offered top tips, like why you should not put chocolate in the fridge, and that good quality chocolate should have a maximum of five ingredients.

The residents were then able to sample some of Sarah’s creations for themselves, before having the opportunity to buy some of her other hand-made treats.

Joan Rowling, who has lived at Priory Hall for 15 months with her husband Trevor, said: “It’s been really interesting to see how chocolate is made, and nice to be able to taste it, too.”

She added that the chocolate making demonstration was the latest in a series of fun activities taking place at The Orangery, the retirement village’s communal room.

“There are events happening here all the time,” she said.

“We have fish and chip suppers, people come in to give talks, and we play cards and ping pong. It’s such a nice environment, everyone becomes friends and you can join in with as much or as little as you like.”

Priory Hall estate manager Suzanne Rust said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Sarah and Laraine for a fantastic event. The residents had a wonderful time, and certainly enjoyed tasting the chocolate for themselves.”