AN Evesham shop has harnessed the heritage of the county’s black pear fruit to create a brand new sweet in order to celebrate its third birthday.

Mr Chill’s Traditional Sweet Emporium, on Bridge Street, has been marking its third anniversary throughout November and the new, unique sweet, aptly called the Worcestershire Black Pear, is a deep purple oversized pear drop with a sugar coating and the fruity flavours of pear and blackcurrant.

It was created exclusively under licence by Brays in Newport.

Brays is one of the few remaining traditional sweet manufacturers in the UK, with 100 years of history.

Civic dignitaries and other invited guests attended the official launch of the Worcestershire Black Pear on November 16.

The event was held at Mr Chill’s Emporium, which has recently won a national UK Sweets Award for its traditional styling.

The guests, which included the chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Gordon Yarranton; vice chairman of Wychavon District Council, Coun Lynne Duffy; Mayoress of Evesham Emma Goodge and the chairman of VECTA, Tony Rowland, were able to sample the black pear sweet and enjoy a glass of Black Pear Ale, supplied by the Malvern Hills Brewery.

Mr Chill made a brief speech at the event, where he paid tribute to the people of Evesham for their support.

“I understand how hard staff have worked to make Mr Chill’s Emporium a local success,” said coun Charlie Homer, deputy mayor of Evesham.

“David Chill’s introduction of exciting new sweets demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and his determination to offer something different, to keep customers interested.”

When Mr Chill first opened his Sweet Emporium, in autumn 2010, he commissioned its first exclusive offering, a twist on the well known rhubarb and custard sweet.

His plum and custard version, created in recognition of Evesham’s plum-growing reputation, was an instant success with local people and remains one of the shop’s best sellers today