THE reason for the shock closure of a much-loved chocolate shop has been revealed.

Specialist chocolatier Choccywoccydoodah has supplied its customers with weird and wonderful sweet treats for more than two decades.

But Brighton residents were left saddened last week when a sign appeared in the shop’s window saying it had “ceased trading”.

Business advisory firm Quantuma has been asked by the directors of Choccywoccydoodah Limited to help them with the closure of the company.

They said this was because of “challenging trading conditions”.

Sean Bucknall, partner at Quantuma, said: “Due to financial difficulties as a result of a challenging trading environment, increased costs and declining margins, Quantuma has been instructed by the directors to assist in placing the company into liquidation.

“Quantuma has been in contact with customers that have been affected and will endeavour to make this a smooth a process as possible for all stakeholders.”

Choccywoccydoodah was established in Brighton where it ran a store in The Lanes.

It also ran another shop in Covent Garden, London.

But after the decision to close the business Quantuma confirmed that “all operations have ceased and both shops have now closed”.

The company will now be placed into Creditor’s Voluntary Liquidation.