Joy, of Waddington-based CreARTivity, came up with the concept a year ago and, with the help of Corper Deli, Longridge, has brought her idea to life launching a range of fine illustration edible cards called Chocol-ART.

"Like so many other people I love eating chocolate and while I've been illustrating greetings cards over the last few years I often wondered if I could transfer my creations onto chocolate and present it as an edible birthday card," Joy explained.

"I discussed the idea with Simon Edwards from the Corper Deli who completely bought into the idea, purchased the machinery and created a sample and Chocol-ART was born!"

The chocolate birthday cards are available in milk, plain or white chocolate varieties in three designs, two featuring Joy's signature Jester and the other a birthday cake design.

"We're convinced these are the first truly illustrated chocolate birthday cards and initial sales have been very good," added Joy. "I'm currently working on a number of other card designs and would also welcome commissions, which would include an original piece of artwork as well as the birthday card, a real treat for that special birthday."

The cards are only available at Joy's workshop at Backridge Farm, but she is currently talking to other gift retailers across Lancashire with a view to making the Chocol-ART range available to all.

For more information about the Chocol-ART birthday cards, contact Joy on 01200 429337 or visit Joy's workshop and gallery at Backridge Farm, Twitter Lane, Waddington, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.