CHOCOLATE and sweets have rocketed in price since Brexit - leaving many families feeling the pinch over Christmas.

Research shows the cost of chocolate has boomed by 2.5 per cent, while the price of other confectionery products has risen by 4.1 per cent.

Critics said the news meant chocolate coins were on their way to becoming as valuable as the real thing this festive season, as the pound continues to struggle.

SNP MSP Bill Kidd said Brexit has led to "one bombshell after another for families".

He said: “Inflation has gone through the roof as the value of Sterling has gone through the floor – all the while wages remain stagnant as the Tories’ extreme Brexit risks our economic prospects.

“In fact, the only money that is going up in value under the Tories is made of chocolate.

“Tory failure to keep down the cost of living is hitting families in the pocket – and this will be felt keenly this Christmas.

"It’s time they took action and committed to remaining in the EU single market to help limit the damage of their Brexit plans.

“If they don’t, then they must allow Scotland to remain in the single market, as we voted for – otherwise families from Stranraer to Scrabster will be left to pay the price.”

Research by the impartial Scottish Parliament Information Centre, commissioned by the SNP, confirmed "the overall increasing linear trend from January 2015 to the present is due to increases in price after the referendum".

It compared the price of sweets between July 2016 and November 2017.