The UK’s biggest bed manufacturer, Sealy UK, has appointed an official sleep ambassador. Lancashire pensioner Desmond Wilcox was selected from 506 applications after the vacancy was launched in January.

Renowned amongst his family and friends for his ability to fall asleep anywhere, Desmond is an active 70-year old who spends the majority of his free time gardening and enjoying the outdoors. The role –  for a three-month period intiially – will see Desmond testing Sealy’s new range of beds, pillows and duvets, as well as trialling a number of sleep experiences including testing sleep-aids and snooze-enhancing diets and lifestyles. His appointment forms part of Sealy’s commitment towards helping the country become a nation of deeper sleepers.

Desmond says: “I cannot express how happy I am to have been named Sealy’s Sleep Ambassador – I am looking forward to getting started. I saw the advert in The Telegraph and I just had to apply. I consider myself to be an expert sleeper and I’m also a good communicator, having spent 50 years working in my barbers shop. I have been an ambassador all my working life selling myself, so the switch from that role to promoting a first-class product like Sealy – and I speak from experience – will be simple. I also love a challenge and am looking forward to fun of being involved in the project and making a good job of it.”

Neil Robinson, Sealy’s resident sleep expert, says: “The selection process was a tough one and we had a challenge shortlisting the applications, let alone selecting a candidate to appoint. Desmond stood out to us. He is clearly very experienced when it comes to sleep and he’s lucky enough not to have any problems with this – he can sleep anywhere, after all. While undoubtedly it is a fun position, we do view this as an important job, and Desmond will provide valuable feedback about our products, as well as debunking sleep