A RAMSBOTTOM newsagent came up with a unique way of informing one of his regular customers that his favourite treat was in stock — by putting up a personalised notice in his shop window.

Tony Hodkin, who runs Bridge Street News, attached the notice to the window which read: "Derek, Wagon Wheels are now in stock".

A picture of the notice was put on Twitter, and become a viral hit among Twitter users in Ramsbottom.

Mr Hodkin, who has ran the shop for 19 years, and is currently the president of the Peel Lions group, said that it is not the first time that he has used the quirky method of interacting with his customers.

He said: "Last week we had a lady come in who wanted a pack of Friars Chocolate Creams, and we had ran out, so I said when we get some more in, I will put a note in the window.

"A lot of people saw it, and they came in and asked me about it.

"Derek is one of my regulars, and he was asking why we never had any Wagon Wheels in. So I said the same to him, that I was ordering some in and that I would put a note in the window when they were here."

Mr Hodkin said putting notes in the window could become a permanent feature in the shop.

He added: "I am just waiting for the next request now! It seems to work, a friend of mine who lives in Tottington sent me a text saying: 'Wagon Wheels?' so it seems to have been popular."