Mobile phones blamed for first fall in chocolate sales for 50 years

British analysts say chocolate sales have fallen for the first time in 50 years.

It is said to be because youngsters are spending more money on mobile phones.

British trade magazine The Grocer says chocolate sales have fallen from £2.7b to £2.55bn.

The Grocer, which compiles annual figures, says sales have been rising or steady since sweet rationing ended in 1953.

Simon Mowbray, from The Grocer, told a British Sunday newspaper: "These markets get squeezed by new crazes every year.

"Children are walking into newsagents and instead of buying a Mars Bar they are scrabbling together enough change to buy a £5 top-up card so they can keep using their mobiles."