Supermarket chain Morrisons is to start selling Halal chocolate bars in Bolton.

The chain will also introduce the Ummah chocolate range at its stores elsewhere in the North-west, including Blackburn and Preston.

With around two million Muslims living in the UK, the £2 billion Halal food market is one of the key growth areas for supermarkets.

Suzanne Laverack, World Foods buyer at Morrisons said, "We tailor our food and drink offering to meet the demands of different cultures and are thrilled to be selling the range of Ummah chocolates for our Muslim customers."

Khalid Sharif, managing director of Ummah Foods said: "Consumer demand is allowing multiples to increase the number of stores stocking Ummah Chocolates, and we look forward to supporting Morrisons in their Halal expansion."

Mr Sharif added "We look forward to carrying out some innovative marketing campaigns with Morrisons that support the product and also make a positive difference in the local community."