A ‘COLOURFUL’ children’s stationery chain is opening in Blackburn town centre. 

‘Smiggle’ a stationery brand from Australia, announced it will be opening its first East Lancashire outlet in The Mall on March 23.

The event will be marked with a special opening ceremony where one lucky child will be given the chance to officially open the store. 

Described as an international fashion-forward stationery brand, Smiggle has been expanding in the UK for a number of years.

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn said: “We are thrilled to announce that Smiggle is coming to Blackburn.

“It is so popular with children of all ages and its colourful, exciting products look amazing.

“Each time Smiggle opens a store they invite a child from the local area to be the special guest, which is such a lovely idea, and we can’t wait to see what people have to say about our newest retailer.”

The Mall is running a competition to find a young Smiggle fan to come along on the grand opening and cut the ribbon. 

The competition, on The Mall’s website, will also see one lucky winner being treated to a £50 shopping spree in the store.

Smiggle first opened its doors in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and after opening more than 20 stores in its home country it launched in New Zealand in 2008.

Its now been four years since Smiggle came to the UK and the retailer boasts an estate of 125 shops nationwide.

The chain recently announced that it has plans to employ 2,000 people and operate 200 stores in the UK by 2019.