TWO youngsters have landed a dream job as toy testers for Santa.

Zac McGown, 9, from Cambuslang and Abbie Milne, 7, from East Kilbride beat off the competition to put this year’s top toys under the microscope at The Entertainer toy store in EK, East Kilbride. The duo tested everything from racing tracks and lightsabers to games and soft toys over the hour long session.

The pair were picked after 250 boys and girls applied for the position.

Abbie, who attends Hunter Primary School in East Kilbride, said: “When I heard I had won the competition I was crying with happiness. I couldn’t believe it. I had a really good time testing the toys, and I think the Liquid Lava Putty and Pomsie were my favourites.”

Zac, who attends Newton Farm Primary in Cambuslang, added: “I didn’t know my mum had entered me for the competition so it was a big surprise when she told me I had won. It was great fun testing the toys. There was lots of cool stuff but I really liked the Air Hogs Drone.”

To thank them for taking on such a high pressurised position Zac and Abbie were each awarded a £100 EK gift voucher to spend on top toys, plus a goodie bag from The Entertainer.

Ian McLelland, Centre Director at EK, East Kilbride, said: “We would like to thank all the children who put themselves forward for the two positions; Santa has noted their enthusiasm.

“The winners toy reports have been passed on to Santa and we have been assured that the Elf Planning Department will use the findings to buy enough nuts, bolts and screws to meet the anticipated demand for Zac and Abbie’s top picks.”

For those wanting to let Santa know in person what they’d like to find under the tree this year, he will be welcoming good boys and girls to his winter wonderland grotto every Saturday and Sunday right up to Christmas, with special extra visits on Friday, December 21 and Christmas Eve.

Entry to Santa’s winter wonderland grotto is free, however, visitors can pop some coins in the grotto’s magical wishing well for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Santa has also asked his elves to spread a little Christmas cheer around the mall with some acts of kindness this festive season. His elves will be in the centre on Saturday, December 15 and Saturday, December 22 handing out envelopes with a surprise gift inside that could be anything from a bag of sweets to a meal at The Hub or even an EK Gift card.