BUSINESS life: Barbara's success is sweet.

Byline: COLIN LEWIS

YOUNGSTERS with an allergy to milk will be able to enjoy their chocolate Easter bunnies after all, thanks to a new specialist firm run by Warwickshire businesswoman Barbara Burgess.

She started her own company, D & D Chocolates, in the Centenary Business Centre, Nuneaton, after being made redundant from Ladybird Books in Loughborough.

She soon discovered a niche market producing alternative confectionery for people who cannot eat dairy chocolate.

Barbara has first-hand experience of milk allergies because her son suffers from the condition.

"I was told he'd grow out of it. He's now 21, and hasn't," she said.

"From the start I was certain I was on to a winner and the response we get from desperate mothers whose children can't normally enjoy Easter eggs and Father Christmas shapes is amazing. The relief is evident in their voices."

"I realised I could fill a gap in the market and went for it. That belief in the product has stayed with me," she said.

The secret of her success is the horn-like pod of the Mediterranean carob plant which is the main ingredient in a range of bars and hand-finished moulded novelties.

When washed, dried, roasted and milled, carob resembles cocoa powder. Because it contains no caffeine or stimulants, it can benefit people who suffer from migraine attacks, or are diabetic or hyperactive. Some even believe it may have benefits for autistic children.

Barbara's company is already featured in the BBC's Good Food Guide and has customers such as Waitrose, and children's hospitals. This year, the company expects to produce about 5,000 Easter eggs.

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CHOCS AWAY: Barbara Burgess (left) and assistant Katie Cross with their Easter bunnies