THOSE with a sweet tooth will no longer be starved of their favourite treats because of special dietary needs thanks to Waltham's very own Candy Man.
McMiller's Sweets Emporium at Waltham Windmill has added gluten and sugar-free sweets to its ever-expanding range of taste bud-tingling goodies.
They arrived as the 14-year-old business managed to maintain its five star National Food Hygiene rating by North East Lincolnshire Council, which has also branded the business child friendly.
Owner Paul Mason knows only too well the feeling of fighting tempting treats because of his dietary needs, as he is a diabetic.
Mr Mason – known as the borough's Willy Wonka – said: "It is a well known fact that diabetes is on the rise and when I was diagnosed, I realised how limited sweet shops can be for people with these needs.
"For me it was always a question of having them in moderation, but it is obviously better to have completely sugar free. You only have to see the range we have here to know we will be hard pushed to be beaten.
"It is probably the best selection of gluten and sugar-free sweets in Lincolnshire."
McMiller's boasts 500 different sweets – from chocolates and toffees to gums and jellies – and many of these can now be bought in gluten and sugar-free versions – including classic favourites like rhubarb and custard and pear drops.
Another exciting addition to the shop is the arrival of the Wonka Bar, a replica of the famous chocolate of Roald Dahl classic children's book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
For each delivery at the store there will be five golden tickets included – which has caused much excitement among fans of the shop and the book, although this is a novelty rather than a competition.
Paul said: "We have to keep on top of our game. It is a beautiful job to have. There is not a day goes by where I don't thank the good Lord. It is humbling.
"I am so happy we can supply all these treats to our customers – the Wonka Bar is an attraction in itself."
The shop recently held a fun day in aid of diabetes, which spurred them on in getting the new range in.
Paul's daughter Anna said: "It helped us raise awareness about the condition and it has brought an influx of customers who have the condition."
