Nine-Year-Old Boy Is Super Sweet Job Hunter

A nine-year-old boy applied for a job at his local confectionary shop because he wanted to help people "find tasty sweets".

Ryan Dobson dropped off a handwritten letter to Sweets and Treats in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, after being told by his mother that treats and activities in the school holidays had to be paid for.

He said he would like the job as it would be "probably fun meeting happy, cheerful people and helping them find tasty sweets", and suggested he could hand out free samples to attract customers.

Ryan said he would "love to have a job" at the sweet shop

He also said he could work on the till because "I am in top maths set at school".

The store praised the boy on Facebook, calling his letter the "Best application form EVER!!!!" and saying they admired his "brilliant ideas" to drum up business.

Sweets and Treats owner Danielle Jaggers says the post has since been viewed by over 22,000 people.

While the shop gently turned Ryan's application down on account of his age, his efforts were rewarded with a special visit where he served ice cream and measured out sweets.

He told The Shields Gazette: "It was really exciting and amazing that I got the chance to have a try at working in the sweet shop."

His mother Lea Dobson says she was pleased to see her son practising his English during the school break.

But she added that "for now he’s back to dreaming about becoming a footballer when he grows up, just like every other nine-year-old".

Sweet and Treats said they wished they could employ Ryan

:: Ryan's letter in full:

Dear Sweets and Treats,

I would like to inform you that I would like a job at Sweets and Treats.

But not a full-time one as I am only nine (nearly ten).

I would love to have a job in your store because it is probably fun meeting happy cheerful people and helping them find tasty sweets.

My idea is to get Sweets and Treats more customers because more customers means more business.

I could stand outside of the door giving free samples of sweets and if they like the sweets then they can buy them.

I could even work at the till because I am good with money and I am in top maths set at school.

I hope you employ me because I would like a job and would enjoy a job.

Yours sincerely, Ryan.