A MAN who quit the 'misery' of university lecturing for a sweet and jokes stall wants to give disadvantaged children a laugh "on the house" before he changes careers again.

Malcolm Hargrave, of Portland Street, Darwen, took his 'Trick or Treat' trailer to car boot sales across the Fylde Coast. This was his way of having fun while making money as he adjusted after taking voluntary redundancy from the Bolton Institute in June 1999.

But now another career as a property landlord is consuming his days so 'Trick or Treat' has had to be taken off the road.

And Malcolm, 57, wants to give away all his stock to disadvantaged children free of charge to give the light-hearted venture a perfect ending.

Malcolm bought the carriage to visit places and cheer people up, it is jammed full of pick and mix sweets and jokes.

He said it was a reaction to the frustration he felt after 25 years as a technology lecturer and feels he is ready to move back to conventional work now that some of the eccentricities are out of his system.

"I took voluntary redundancy because I released that I lived in a world of miserable idiots and I just like enjoying life. I think we should see the funny side of things," he said.

He said his 'Trick or Treat' venture and outlook on life was kick-started when Malcolm, who is divorced, put a dating agency advert in a newspaper, which read: "Man with haemorrhoids seeks someone wanting long standing relationship."

Malcolm was amazed when women responded and asked him about his problem.

"They didn't get it, that's what's wrong with people. I 'm finding it difficult to meet someone who shares my outlook, though."

He enjoyed the 'Trick or Treat' venture but he has had his fun now and wants to get into the serious business of property letting. But for the trailer's last stand he is willing to take it to anywhere to help needy children.

"So I want anybody that's interested to contact me with a view to me visiting them with the trailer. I will get pleasure out of that."

Anybody organisations interested should contact Malcolm on 07775785432 or 01254 703686.