Fudges bakery is gearing up to start production of its Christmas biscuits - with a forecast 50% increase on previous levels.

The Dorset-based bakery manufacturer will begin production on Monday, and said it will be working around the clock at its Stalbridge bakery, making around 4.5 million biscuits a week - an estimated 93m in total.

The firm will also be taking on 40 new members of staff to cope with the huge increase in production levels, and has said it is heading for a record turnover in 2012.

Fudges, which supplies leading supermarkets and independent retailers throughout the UK, has seen demand for its branded Dark Chocolate Florentines, Stem Ginger Biscuits, Cheddar Wafers, Cheese Straws and Selection of Biscuits for Cheese, continue to rise.

Steve Fudge, managing director, said: “We are delighted to be performing so well despite the tough economic climate. This success is testimony to the dedication of our entire workforce and the fact that we continue to produce a range of top quality biscuits that appeal to shoppers looking for affordable luxuries.”