Lucky Harry's a sweet tester
A SCHOOLBOY has beaten nearly 4,000 others to land every child’s dream job – official sweet tester.
Harry Willsher, 12, was the lucky winner of a competition by Swizzel Matlow whose famous treats include Love Hearts, Refreshers and Parma Violets
Every three months for a year he will receive deliveries of confidential prototypes so he can give his verdict to the sweetmakers.
But, just like Charlie in Roald Dahl’s famous Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, he has had to make a solemn promise not to reveal any of the company’s secrets.
Harry, from Billericay, Essex, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted – I reckon it’s the best job in the world.”
Some 3,900 people entered the race for the job – with applicants ranging in age from four to 82 – by filling in a caption competition.
Harry, whose grandparents spotted the job in the Daily Express, pipped the others to the post with his description of his favourite sweet – the Drumstick lolly. His dad Tony, 44, and mum Joanne, 40, have already accompanied him on a tour of the company’s factory in Derbyshire.
Tony said: “Our whole family is delighted, especially our three other children who can’t wait to get their hands on some of the sweets.” He added: “We’d like to thank the Express for helping to make it all happen.”
Harry has already shared out five sackfuls of treats with fellow students at Billericay School and with his sister Jazmine, 15, and brothers Oliver, seven, and Kyle, two.
He was also given £500-worth of Argos and Marks & Spencer vouchers, and his own overalls embossed with his name and the words “sweet tester”.
But his parents said they were not too worried about what the new job might do to Harry’s teeth.
Mr Willsher said: “It’s all about common sense and as long as it’s balanced out and he eats healthily I don’t see the harm in it.”