It’s a lovely jubbly day

Cheeky chap: Sam Powell at the Juicy Drop Pop’s offices Cheeky chap: Sam Powell at the Juicy Drop Pop’s offices

A crafty seven-year-old who charges his mum 50p for a hug has been named as the UK’s new Del Boy.

Sam Powell, from Morden, was invited to the lollipop brand Juicy Drop Pop’s offices in Richmond following a nationwide search for a young money-making wizard.

Sam, who wants to be a footballer or Olympic swimmer when he is older, reckons he can swindle an extra £3 a week on top of the £5 pocket money he already receives.

He said: “I try to use my charm as much as possible, especially with my grandparents – they are always happy to treat me to an extra pound here and there.

“I also make sure to keep my eyes peeled at all times, checking the back of the car and vending machines for any change that’s just lying around.”

The competition, which surveyed 1,000 British six to 14-year-olds, followed research that revealed the average child pocketed up to £1,300 on top of their allowance before they reached 14.

Cheeky chap Sam attended the Juicy Drop Pop offices, where he took part in brain storms, tasted new sweets and tested the company’s website.

He said: “I had a brilliant time. The offices were really cool, and it must be fun to have free sweets all of the time.

“I loved coming up with thoughts for new sweets with other members of the team and wonder if my ideas will ever be made.”

The young trickster was supervised by general manager Stephen Carson, who said Sam had great ideas for new sweet products.

He said: “We had plenty of strong candidates putting themselves forward for our Del Boy competition, but Sam’s crafty curriculum vitae was second to none – he’s certainly gone to some extreme lengths to get his hands on a little extra cash.”

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