A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy has applied for a job at his local sweet shop because it is "probably fun meeting happy, cheerful people and helping them find tasty sweets".

Ryan Dobson came up with the plan when his mother Lea Dobson told him that treats and activities in the school holidays had to be paid for.

The schoolboy dropped off a handwritten letter to Sweets and Treats in South Shields, who hailed it the "best application form ever!"

Ryan suggested he could drum up business by standing outside with free samples to lure customers in or that he could try working on the till because he is good at maths.

The shop gently turned the schoolboy down because he is a little too young for a job, but wrote on Facebook: "Best application form EVER!!!!

"We wish we could employ this lad!

"With his brilliant ideas we're sure he's going to go far in business. Stick in at school young one."

As a special treat, Ryan took up an offer to visit the shop 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."

Here is Ryan's letter: "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."