‘WANTED: Santa for Bradhall Shopping Centre. Immediate start. Good pay offered to the right candidate.'
The advert had attracted 12 applicants. Jimmy Johnson, the centre manager, had started off the day with a detailed wish list.
But after a full day of interviews, he’d whittled the wish list down to three key qualities: a friendly manner, good with children and – most importantly – doesn’t have a laugh like a super-villain.