at midday yesterday.

Even Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was lured into the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as he strolled up the lane. He was then persuaded to sample the freshly made fudge offered to customers.

The shop's owner Ms Sally Smith said her father Mr. Harold Gibbons suggested that a chocolate store run similarly to the well-established US Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chain would suit Bermuda.

A year ago, Ms Smith set about planning her own Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Ms Smith and store manager Mrs. Bobby McPhee were given chocolate and fudge making tuition in Durango, Colorado by the chocolate company a fortnight ago.

"There is so much scepticism in Bermuda about selling chocolate as it can melt. But studying chocolate has taught me so much about controlling the temperature to preserve freshness,'' said Ms. Smith.

"I liked the fun atmosphere of the Colorado store and wanted to recreate that in Bermuda. The more I investigated the idea of setting up my own chocolate store, the more convinced I became that it could work here,'' she said.

"My father has been my biggest supporter,'' she added.

Cook Mr. Tony Brannon will be assisting in the fudge-making. Yesterday, he implored customers to "treat their dogs to something special'' and pointed out the specially prepared chocolate dog bones on display.

Also on sale alongside peanut clusters, fudge, English toffee, truffles, jaw breakers, peanut brittle and caramels, are cones of Dunkley's Ice Cream and cups of coffee.

The wooden interior was installed by contractor Edward Trott Construction and designed by architect Mr. Andrew Outerbridge, who co-ordinated with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on the store style. Bermuda style cedar window frames have been installed to add local atmosphere.

Ms Smith is planning a formal opening, but will start advertising the store next week by dressing up her cook Mr. Brannon as a bear and parading him through the streets of Hamilton.

CHOCOLATE STORE -- Ms Sally Smith, owner of the new Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory based in Chancery Lane, Hamilton tastes chocolate prepared by cook Mr.

Tony Brannon.