A newsagent is hoping imported snacks and sodas from across the pond will help him realise his American dream of boosting trade.

Dover Street Newsagents has begun stocking the transalantic treats after owner John Caggiano noticed a wave of American students arriving in Canterbury to study at Christ Church University.

After finding a supplier, his shop now has root beer, Tootsie Rolls, Oh Henry, Lucky Charms and Mountain Dew alongside traditional sweets and Mr Caggiano says the rewards have already been reaped.

He said: “We were brainstorming for new ideas when I noticed we had a few American students come over. So it just followed on from there. Also I have been an expat myself from when I worked in the Carribbean in the contruction industry so we knew it would be a bit different.

“I found a supplier who imports these products direct from the States and we have deliveries every fortnight. We started off with a couple of lines but we are expanding. When we brought them in we found the students had left but people who do come in get excited because it is something new and different. They have had a great response from people of all ages.”

Asked whether he could provide more Yankee items like potato chips, waffles and hot dogs Mr Caggiano said it was important to remember the shop’s heritage.

He added: “We have got some more ideas in the pipeline that we’d like to do. It’s important to keep getting in new products so customers see something new every time they come in.”

“Not too along ago, we did try and become more of a convenience store recently but it just didn’t work. This has been a newsagents since the 1800s and we’d like to revert back to that.

“Me and my wife have seen some lovely photographs which has given us some more ideas.”