TREATS which will help to put a smile on people’s faces are still available from local suppliers despite the COVID-19 crisis.

York-based Choc Affair has created ‘isolation treat boxes’ which people can buy for themselves or a loved one, offering a choice of four chocolate bars, two boxes of buttons and a message bar.

The family-run artisan chocolate business, based in Hazel Court, James Street, designs and manufactures a range of handmade fairtrade products.

It is offering free doorstep deliveries in York on orders of £10 or over of its confectionery.

Choc Affair is one of more than 50 local enterprises which have taken advantage of The Press Supporting Local Businesses campaign offer.

Newsquest, published of The Press, is offering free adverts to help independent and family businesses as they find new ways to operate during the lockdown.

Traders, retailers, hospitality operators and freelancers have had to diversify as they strive to continue to provide a service for those staying at home and in need.

Many have adapted their offering, from taking online orders and arranging local deliveries to hosting virtual classes or social get-togethers.

Another advertiser through the campaign is Malton-based Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice which makes freshly-pressed apple juice with 100 per cent British fruit.

It is offering contactless delivery of 12 bottle cases in York and Malton.

Meanwhile, as staying in has become the new ‘going out’, The Knavesmire pub is offering New York-style pizzas as a weekend treat between 5pm to 10pm from Fridays to Sundays. They are delivering in Acomb, Dringhouses, Foxwood, Holgate and Knavesmire with online payment links available.

Supporting Local Businesses has won the commercial backing of City of York Council, Portakabin/the Shepherd Group, Barnitts, the PAPI Project - delivered by the University of York, and Langleys Solicitors.

Jane Hanson, advertising director of Newsquest York, said: “City of York Council has now joined our other support partners to help The Press offer free advertising for local SMEs during these difficult times.

“It is a great pleasure to work alongside CYC in delivering this help as we know they are already working tirelessly on a whole range of initiatives to make sure local businesses and residents are supported through this period.”

To discuss becoming a commercial partner, email advertising director, Jane Hanson at jane.hanson@localiq.co.uk.

To claim your free offer contact Nicola Haigh on Nicola.haigh@localiq.co.uk

The Press is publishing free adverts from businesses complying with government advice with the services they offer.

* Terms and conditions apply.