Chocolate suppliers Simon and Helen Pattinson are used to putting smiles on people's faces with their cocoa creations.

Now the couple are winning new friends from all quarters after offering free chocolate to homeless shelters and women's centres across Brighton.

Simon's and Helen's shop, Montezuma's Chocolates, opened in Duke Street last week following the success of their organic chocolate factory in Fishbourne, near Chichester.

Helen said: "We experiment with a lot of recipes at our factory but some of our creations don't always turn out right and never make it into the shops.

"Instead of just throwing them out we decided to give them away to a worthy cause.

"We contacted St Peter's shelter in Chichester and asked them if they wanted some free chocolate and they were thrilled.

"When we opened the shop in Brighton we thought it would be a nice idea to do the same here."

In the last week, Montezuma's has donated all kinds of cookies, brownies, and other delicacies to the Big Issue office in Queen's Road, the Oasis project and Brighton's Women's Centre at the Brighthelm Centre, which both have creches.

Helen said: "I've always been very keen to help the local community.

"I used to work in London and it used to really hit me seeing people sleeping rough.

"I used to feel there was nothing I could do to help. Free chocolate is only a small thing but it's something."

Peter, a support worker at the Big Issue office, said: "The shop contacted us a few days ago and asked if we wanted a weekly supply of their left-over and misshapen chocolates and biscuits. Of course, we said yes.

"They brought the first batch in on Friday and we've been giving them away to our vendors who were really pleased.

"They thought it was a really great gesture.

"I think it's a wonderful idea and much better than just throwing everything away.

"Anything that helps the people we work with is greatly appreciated."