Two Lanarkshire youngsters have taken on one of the world’s toughest jobs - becoming official toy testers for Santa.
More than 250 good boys and girls applied for the positions, with six-year-old Alfie Beveridge from Gartcosh and Sophia Blackie, seven, from Westwood in East Kilbride beating off the competition to put this year’s top toys under the microscope at The Entertainer toy store in EK, East Kilbride.
The duo tested everything from remote control cars, slime and air footballs to soft toys and games over the hour long session.
Sophia, a pupil of Canberra Primary School, said: “There were hundreds and hundreds of toys and it was great fun playing with them all.
"I really liked the Pitter Patter Pets and can’t wait to tell Santa.”
Alfie, who goes to St Bridget’s Primary in Baillieston, added: “I couldn’t believe it when my mum told me I had won the competition.
"I was really excited and couldn’t wait to go to the toy shop. I love playing football so my favourite was the Football Drifter. It was so cool.”
To thank them for taking on such a high pressurised position Alfie and Sophia were each awarded a £50 gift voucher from The Entertainer and a goodie bag.
Claire-Louise Cavin from EK, East Kilbride, said: “What a wonderful night. Sophia and Alfie were brilliant toy testers and we will now pass on their recommendations to Santa so the elves can get to work in time for the big day.”
For those wanting to let Santa know in person what they’d like to find under the tree this year, he be welcoming all the good boys and girls of EK to his grotto in Centre West for a selfie each weekend before Christmas and in the run up to the big day from December 22-24.
There will be no charge for a Santa selfie but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to EK charity Kilbryde Hospice at the grotto.
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