A Rhayader hardware store has become a global sensation after creating a Christmas advert for only £100.

The star of the advert, which you can watch below, is adorable two-year-old Arthur Lewis Jones, whose family owns the store Hafod Hardware.

Arthur stars as the shop owner, looking after the store and serving customers, with cameo appearances from his great grandparents and father.

At the end of the advert Arthur transforms into his 30-year-old father, Thomas Lewis Jones, as the tagline “be a kid at Christmas” appears.

The video has been viewed over 2.5 million times on YouTube alone since it was posted on 1 December.

Hafod Hardware, which opened in Rhayader in 1895, is now run by Thomas, his grandparents, his wife Laura and, of course, Arthur.

The store has remained in the family for all but 17 years since 1895.

Despite going up against big-budget competitors, such as John Lewis, the advert has gone viral.

Thomas, who said it has been a “whirlwind”, told the Cambrian News he has been contacted by media outlets in countries across the globe, including in Kenya, Marrakech and the United States.

While requests to ship his products worldwide have been rolling in and he has been encouraged to capitalise on the success of the video, Thomas said he is instead encouraging people to get out and visit their local shop.

“Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, but if you can afford to use your small independent shops then please do,” he said. “If you can’t, then we just hope you enjoy our video.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday