The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has arranged for chocolate gifts handmade by The Chocolate Manor in Castlerock, Co Derry to be sent to 13 hospitals across Northern Ireland (NI) and also to the Ambulance Service headquarters in Belfast.

UFU president Victor Chestnutt explains: “The UFU board, staff and members have organised for a number of chocolate gifts to be delivered to our NHS workers from local chocolate makers The Chocolate Manor, as a small token of thanks for their heroic efforts especially over the past year.

“Our healthcare workers have always been extremely selfless and kind to the farming community displaying tireless hard work and dedication during times of need. They continue to outdo themselves and went above and beyond for everyone in NI as we faced the biggest health care crisis of our generation. It has been a very difficult time and thanks to their commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to patients and support for their families, we are confident that brighter days lie ahead.

“We are immensely grateful for everything our NHS workers have done for us and continue to do. We will never be able to thank them enough, but we hope they enjoy this small token of appreciation in the form of chocolate gifts that will be delivered in the coming weeks, and that they will provide an uplift during the working day.”

The UFU also commended The Chocolate Manor, which is owned by artisan chocolatier Geri Martin, for its excellent service.

“The creation of the personalised chocolate gifts which were made by hand by The Chocolate Manor and the organisation of delivery, wouldn’t have been possible without their superb service.

“To show their support for the NHS they granted the UFU a very kind discount on the order of chocolate gifts. We highly recommend The Chocolate Manor, they are testimony to the high-quality local producers we have on own doorstep,” added Mr Chestnutt.