Ukrainian's new shop to make city a little sweeter

Roman Gunko said he was inspired to set up a sweet shop after seeing customers come out of one in France "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 France.

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."

Mr Gunko said his shop has been making children smile

Mr Gunko was inspired to start his business while in France.

"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?"

His business idea was a shop where customers could buy "as much as they want" of their favourite sweets, Mr Gunko said.

"Basically, happiness by the handful," he said.

'A whole new life'

Mr Gunko's family also help him with his business now that they also live in Gloucester.

"I came here on my 18th birthday," he said.

"Some people get cake, I got a whole new life in this country."