FROM traditional sherbet lemons to chocolate mice to fruit gums — it's like being a kid in a sweetshop again.

The shelves of Sugacane in Whitewalls, Swansea, are jam-packed with old-fashioned glass jars filled to the brim with the sweets of yesteryear as well as some of the current favourites.

The new shop, in the former Elvi ladies clothes store, has more than 200 brands of sweets to tickle everybody's tastebuds — from young to old to even diabetics.

Owner Jonathan Evans, aged 44, of Gorseinon, has bought the franchise from the national chain which has more than 15 shops over the UK. And if it is a sweet success, the father of three hopes to expand across South West Wales.

He said: "A friend of mine approached me about buying the franchise. We will see how it goes and, hopefully, expand in the area.

"There are not many places which sell pic'n'mix since Woolworths closed so I think there is a market for a shop like this.

"There is nothing else like it around here.

"It is bright and colourful with eye-catching decor.

"It is in a good location which is great for sweets — which are an impulse buy." The shop will create eight jobs and there are plans to have regular deliveries to nursing and care homes in the region.

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He said: "We will call every week at the same time.

"We have a range of diabetic and sugar-free sweets as well as traditional favourites."

And not only will sweet-lovers be able to get their sinful delights at Sugacane, they can also have their favourite sweet made into a milkshake.

Mr Evans said: "It is like paradise owning a sweet shop.

"My children say I am like Willy Wonka.

"They cannot wait for the shop to open."