Press Association

Sweet new bride for Bertie at 80

Bertie Bassett is celebrating his 80th birthday after marking the landmark by getting hitched to his new "sweetheart".

Bassett's gave more than 60 workers at its Sheffield factory time off to attend the ceremony, which saw the famous Liquorice Allsorts character tie the knot with his new bride, Betty.

Betty is the face of Bassett's new Red Liquorice Allsorts and is the first new character to be introduced by the firm in 80 years.

Factory manager Shaun Wagstaff, who was Bertie's best man, said: "Bertie's been a big hit since he stepped into our lives back in 1929 swinging that liquorice cane and charming the ladies.

"I've only known him for eight of those years but it's good to see old Bertie finally settle down - he certainly looked extra sweet for his big day."

Two other factory workers, Craig Hitchen and David Golland, were ushers and Emma and Kayla Owen - daughters of staff member Tyana Owen - were Betty's bridesmaids.

Bassett's marketing director Martin Driver said: "Betty has already won a place in Bertie's heart but we're expecting her to be a big hit with the public too. We're confident that Bertie fans will approve of his new bride and wish them both the very best."

Bassett's said its Red Liquorice Allsorts contain red liquorice and replace its Fruit Allsorts.

The firm, which is owned by Cadbury Schweppes, first started making sweets in Sheffield in 1842. It said Liquorice Allsorts came about by accident in 1899 when salesman Charlie Thompson tripped up, mixing all the different sweets he was carrying.

Bassett's makes 14 million Allsorts a day at its Sheffield plant.