CHOCOLATE company Thorntons is recalling thousands of its hollow milk chocolate ‘Jolly Santas’ as they could contain a piece of plastic.

The Food Standards’ Agency have issued the product recall after it was found the 200g figure could contain a piece of plastic from the mould used to make it.

Anyone who has purchased the item is asked not to eat it and return it to their local store where an alternative product or full refund will be offered.

The recall affects products with the barcode 5016346234721 and all date codes.

A company spokesperson said: "The piece of plastic is from a polycarbonate mould used in the manufacturing process of the Jolly Santa model.

"The quality and safety of its products is of utmost importance to Thorntons.

"We are proud of the exacting standard and care we take in the preparation and manufacture of all our products.

"As soon as this matter was brought to our attention we launched an immediate investigation to take corrective action including a full product recall."

Cusomers can call 0345 121 1911 or email customerservicemanager@thorntons.co.uk for more information on how to return their chocolate Santa.