COMMENTATORS rec-ording the demise of the traditional sweet shop may have to rewrite their scripts.

Husband and wife team David and Susan Hughes have taken the first franchise on the West Walian concept of Yum Yum Sweets, and are doing a roaring trade.

Located in Cardiff Road, Caerphilly, the Hughes are selling more than 400 varieties of sweets from jars alongside their own hand-made chocolates.

Mr Hughes, a former salesman in the brewing industry, said: "It's fantastic; the town has obviously been crying out for a shop selling good old-fashioned sweets, and people are flocking in."

The couple launched Yum Yum with the support of enterprise agency Venture Wales and Caerphilly council's economic development department.

The Yum Yum concept was founded in Cardigan, and aims to recreate the tastes well-known to anyone over 40.

Anybody for sherbert lemons, aniseed twists, pear drops, bon-bons, rhubarb and custards, dolly mixtures, jelly babies, humbugs, or sugared almonds?

The Hughes have added a twist to the Yum Yum concept by importing speciality chocolate-making equipment from Belgium.

David said: "We simply can't make enough of it.

"The way it's going Caerphilly will soon become better known for chocolate than cheese."

Another innovation is a supply of more than 100 products for diabetic customers.

"We see a major market for these specialist products," said Mr Hughes.

The Venture Wales support came in the form of business mentor Phil Wat-kins. He said: "We've been hugely impressed by the enthusiasm of David and Sue. They have been single-minded in their approach and have listened to all the advice we have been able to provide.

"Businesses such as this are particularly valuable because they maintain the vibrancy of town centres like Caerphilly."

Mr Hughes said that in the six months prior to launch, he and his wife were guided through the business planning, funding and marketing processes to the point where they felt very confident when they first opened their shop door.

"Venture Wales also put us in touch with Caerphilly council, whose economic development team was superb in providing the support necessary to launch the venture."

Councillor Tudor Davies said: "The council was delighted to help out with this project and we are pleased that the business is helping to strengthen our local economy."