A MALDON chef who is feeling the love is raising funds through a chocolate auction.

Andrew Jones, who is now an award-winning chef patron at Chamberlain’s restaurant in London, is taking part in the annual Chocs for Chance auction in time for Valentine’s Day.

Money raised will go towards Galvin's Chance, an into-work programme for young people, offering training and work placements at top London restaurants.

He is joining other leading chefs including Raymond Blanc OBE, Marcus Wareing and Michel Roux Jr in creating special boxes of chocolates, for delivery to successful bidders.

Mr Jones, whose parents met while working at The Contented Sole in Burnham on Crouch in the early 1960s, said: “The programme is targeted at disadvantaged people who may not be able to get into the catering industry.

“It’s a great opportunity to work in top quality restaurants in front of house.

“Anything that promotes the hospitality industry is a cause for support, and this is a great cause.”

Mr Jones will be making chocolate love hearts filled with pistachio cream and decorated with edible gold.

So far he has had one bidder, and the bid is already at £100.

The ten-day auction was launched at Galvin At Windows, a restaurant in London, on Friday **jan 29th**.

As well as a box of handmade chocolates, the lucky Chamberlain’s winning bidder will receive a voucher for a tasting menu for two at the restaurant with champagne.

To find out more and place a bid, visit chocsforchance.org/andrewjones/