NC dentist buying back Halloween candy

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — A North Carolina dentist is offering kids cash for Halloween candy.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reported Monday that Dr. Jack Winchester of Morehead City is paying $1 a pound for the candy to promote dental health. He said the buyback runs through Tuesday, and the candy will be sent to deployed troops.

Winchester said he got the idea at a dental seminar. He bought 300 pounds of candy last year and hopes to double that amount this year.

In addition to candy, Winchester mailed troops cards and colored pages from the kids who turned in their stash. He is a former Navy dentist and said he enjoyed getting letters and gifts during deployments.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)