FAST food giant KFC is returning to Blackburn town centre with the opening of a new restaurant in the Mall shopping centre.

The new chicken outlet will open in February in the unit that was formerly home to Clinton Cards.

The opening of the shop will bring around 50 part-time and full-time jobs to the area.

It has also been announced that all food served in the restaurant will be halal and suitable for Muslims.

The last KFC in the town centre was in King William Street but it closed several years ago.

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming KFC to The Mall Blackburn at the start of what is set to be another exciting year.

“Our food outlets are extremely popular with shoppers and KFC, which will be located in Victoria Court, is a brilliant addition to our wide range of choices.

“It also shows that major brands are committed to the town, which is great news for everyone.”

In October, another branch of the chain opened in Blackburn’s £100million development, Frontier Park, near junction six of the M65

Regeneration boss for Blackburn with Darwen Council Phil Riley said: “The evidence would suggest that the Mall performed well over Christmas at a time when others did not.

“It is good to see that they are in a position to attract new business to the area.”

A KFC spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to confirm that our new restaurant in Blackburn is due to open next month.”

Anyone wishing to join the KFC team should visit their website, www.kfc.co.uk