A BOY won an ice cream at a Worcester McDonald’s but could not claim his prize because he is 'too young to gamble'.

AJ Reeves won a McFlurry at the fast food restaurant in Blackpole, Worcester, on Thursday by collecting Monopoly coupons.

When he returned to claim his prize that same evening he was told he could not have his free dessert, even though the restaurant gave him the sticker in the first place.

AJ, aged 13, of Troutbeck Drive, Warndon, Worcester has Aspergers syndrome which can make social interaction difficult and anxiety disorder which can make him nervous in certain situations.

He told the Worcester News: "I felt sad and disappointed. I'm not sure whether I will go back."

AJ's mum Kay Reeves, aged 52, said he had bought a Big Mac meal and went to the counter later that day to claim his free McFlurry.

She said there was a 'principle' at stake and if children could not claim the prize then McDonald's should not be handing out the stickers.

Miss Reeves said: “When he went to claim it he was asked his age and when he told them he was 13 they said he was unable to have the McFlurry as he was under 16 and it was classed as gambling.”

AJ had not been with his family at the time but with his friends. An adult family member could have claimed the McFlurry on his behalf, a McDonald’s spokesman confirmed.

Miss Reeves now intends to write a letter of complaint to head office.

She said: “My son was very upset by the incident. Due to his problems there are not many places he will actually go.

"He had only recently built up the confidence to actually go into McDonald's. Now this has knocked him back and he thinks they will be asking his age every time he goes in.

“They should not give out the stickers if they’re not going to get them the prizes.”

A McDonald’s spokesman said the stickers were not given out with happy meals.

He said: “In accordance with OFCOM guidelines, and as clearly stated on all McDonald’s Monopoly promotional materials, advertising and packaging, the promotion is only open to those aged 16 years old and above.

“Monopoly prize stickers are not included with a Happy Meal and whilst it is possible a person under 16 could purchase a product sold within our promotional packaging, the terms and conditions are clear that they are unable to take part in the promotion. Any prizes can be claimed by older family members.”

National newspaper the Mirror reported a similar situation involving an 11-year-old boy in Swansea last year.