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Ukrainian's new shop to make city a little sweeter

Maisie Lillywhite
BBC News, Gloucestershire
Jon Smith
BBC Radio Gloucestershire
BBC A 22-year-old man stands in his pirate-themed sweet shop. There are large, open barrels of pick-and-mix sweets with tongs, and pirate decor - including nets, skull and cross bones, and ship wheels hanging on the walls.BBC
Roman Gunko said he was inspired to set up a sweet shop after seeing customers come out of one in "with smiles"

A Ukrainian man who says he got a new life in England for his 18th birthday has opened a shop to bring "happiness by the handful".

Roman Gunko, who moved from Lviv to Gloucester four years ago, said he was inspired to set up a sweet shop after seeing "a really beautiful" one in .

In March, Mr Gunko, 22, set sail on his sweet shop adventure, opening the doors to the pirate-themed Captain of Sweets on Worcester Street.

"The best part is when older people walk in and say, 'it reminds me of my childhood'," Mr Gunko said.

Mr Gunko moved to Gloucester from Ukraine with his father although his mother and younger sister were still living there when Russia invaded.

"Life back then [in Ukraine] was pretty normal; like most students, I was studying, hanging out with friends, and trying to survive lessons," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"I lived in safety in Gloucester but I was very worried because my mother and younger sister were still in Ukraine.

"I was nervous for my family but as soon as I did every document, they moved to the UK and we are living together."

Big barrels of neatly arranged pick-and-mix sweets, including tiny chocolate eggs wrapped in colourful foil and flower sweets, with tongs.
Mr Gunko said his shop has been making children smile

Mr Gunko was inspired to start his business while in .

"I saw a really beautiful candy shop, with people picking their favourite candy from a huge selection," he said.

"I stood there, watching them come out with smiles, and something clicked in my head: Why not create something like that in Gloucester":[]}