A Barnsley restaurant owner revealed on Facebook that he had never opened a single window on an advent calendar.

Andy Gardiner, proprietor of Beatson House in Cawthorne, didn't think there was anything unusual about his claim until a local IT company decided to put things right. Within hours of seeing the sad revelation, a chocolaty surprise was hand-delivered to Andy.

First ever advent calendar for Barnsley restaurant owner

In what started as a bit of festive fun Cultrix, a Barnsley IT company, had asked the public whether they left the doors on their advent calendars or tore them off. It was among the flurry of responses that the unexpected claim was made, “Nobody ever believes me but its true” said Andy, “I have never opened a single window of an advent calendar. I remember I nearly made one with Valerie Singleton [on Blue Peter] but that was as close as I got”.

Shaun Wilders, Managing Director of Cultrix, has not only participated in the tradition for as long as he can remember, but he even buys one for each member of his team every year. “We couldn't continue through December knowing that someone had never experienced the joy of counting down to Christmas with a daily chocolate treat” said Shaun; “In keeping with our superhero theme we felt that we could help and so we didn't hesitate to come to Andy’s rescue.”

Andy is now able to enjoy a chocolate with his morning tea and vows to continue the tradition from now on. He didn't hesitate to express his delight on Twitter but also claimed that he’d never had a Porsche 911 either.

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