A well-known Norfolk chef who hopes to keep Colman's in Norwich has said the mustard inspired his career in the kitchen - and his own range of sauces.

Eastern Daily Press: Colman's Mustard made by Unilever. Picture: ANTONY KELLYColman's Mustard made by Unilever. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Charlie Hodson says he hopes to see the brand remain in Norwich, after Unilever, which owns it, said it was reviewing its future at its Bracondale factory.

It came after drinks manufacturer Britvic, with which it shares the Norwich site, announced it was to move production elsewhere around the country.

It has sparked concern over the 350 jobs which could be lost, and has seen our petition to keep the brands in the fine city attract 10,000 signatures.

Mr Hodson, who launched his own Charlie's Food Heroes sauces this year, said: 'For me the brand has been inspirational. When I was a little boy we always had Colman's around the table and it was just part of the household.

MORE: Colman's petition almost at 10,000 names - have you signed yet?'It's part of Norfolk's DNA and it certainly influenced me to make sauces and put my name on something I'm proud of, and I suppose in a way to go into the food industry in general.

'It's got so much history and heritage here - it's a piece of Norfolk.'

He said he had visited restaurants around the world which served up the familiar, bright yellow, pot.

'That was always the great thing about Colman's,' he said. 'Whether you were having a greasy spoon fry-up or a Sunday lunch in one of the finest restaurants, it was always there and that was the magic of Colman's.

'Behind the silver is always the bright yellow.'

He said the ethics of the Colman's brand were also to be admired - and that, for a future businessman, they served as an inspiration.

'When everyone was putting profit over people, they were doing the opposite,' he said. 'Jeremiah and his nephews had their own company nurse, which was rare. They cared about their workforce, which at the time was often not the priority.'

To sign our petition to keep both brands in Norwich, click here.

• What are your fond memories of Colman's? Write, giving full contact details, to Eastern Daily Press, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE.