The boy with the best job in Britain is preparing to hand over his keys to the board (game) room – and now the hunt is on for a new Head of Fun.
Nine-year-old Mac Toal, from Prudhoe, was the envy of youngsters across the North East when he landed the ‘top’ job at Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre.
In a first for the North East shopping mall, Mac – and Deputy Head of Fun, seven-year-old Myah Rose Wilson, from Sunderland – were appointed 12 months ago.
The pair were tasked with making sure the centre provided lots of free fun for all the children in the region and to continue to ensure that it is child friendly.
But now their year-long ‘contract’ is coming to an end and the search has begun to find their replacements.
“It’s been the best year ever,” said Mac. “We’ve played a really big part in leading intu Metrocentre Kids’ Club and become best friends with the Metrognomes – but that’s not all.
“We’ve opened and reviewed new restaurants and even given our verdicts on fashion and Christmas toys.
“We’ll both be very sad to hand over our jobs but we know that whoever gets them next will have a brilliant time.”
The centre is looking for a new Head and Deputy Head of Fun, aged between six and 10 to provide specialist advice on all its children’s activities – and, in exchange, they will be paid in gift vouchers, toys and fun experiences.
The roles will not clash with school, as the pair, who will be first in line to meet any stars and special guests visiting the centre, will only be asked to help out during holidays and half term breaks.
“Our Heads of Fun have been amazing,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.
“They’ve opened Santa’s grotto and turned on the Christmas lights and our Head of Fun even had his own magazine column.
“Now, we’re calling on the region’s youngsters to get in touch and see if they have what it takes to land one of the best jobs in the country.”
To apply, children must explain in up to 200 words why they think they should be Head of Fun.
Applications can be in the form of a letter, song or even a video – the more creative the better – and must be accompanied by a recent photograph.
They can then be posted in the post box at Exhibition Square during the centre’s half term activities to celebrate the release of Kung Fu Panda 3.
Children can learn the skills of a true Kung Fu master at Kung Fu school; as well as creating headwear, panda masks and Chinese New Year lanterns between Monday 15 until Friday 19 February.
Alternatively, children can email their applications to headoffun@intu.co.uk or post them to intu Metrocentre, Centre Management, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9YG.
All applications must be received by Sunday 6 March and interviews will take place on the lead up to the Easter half term break.
For more information please visit www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre/fun or visit the online job application at http://intumetrocentre.co.uk/About-Us/Jobs/intu-Retail-Services/Job/1791.