An award-winning retailer will be opening its new store in Blackburn on July 26, with a generous offering of free poop bags to customers.

Jollyes' site in Grimshaw Park, Lower Audley Street, will open at 10am on Friday when the first 140 customers will receive the free 'power poo' bags to promote pet cleanliness.

Inspired by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s clean-up campaign, the company's new initiative aims to encourage owners to responsibly dispose of their pet's waste.

The bags include a 'running low' signal to aid pet owners in avoiding substantial fines.

This is a nationwide campaign with every one of Jollyes' 100-plus stores across the UK dedicating July 26 to the distribution of nearly 225,000 free bags around the country.

Jollyes' soon-to-be store manager of the Blackburn store, Natalie Bentley, said: "We can’t wait to open our doors next week.

"We're already working hard to get the store ready and looking forward to giving pet parents in Blackburn a new alternative for their pets at home.

"We can’t wait to bring the kind of value and service we’re famous for, here to the heart of Lancashire."

The new establishment is part of Jollyes' broader expansion, increasing its store portfolio by 50 per cent in three years.

The Blackburn store will provide various services beyond this initiative, including a frozen raw food 'shop-in-shop' for owners wanting premium pet food.

Natalie Bentley and her team of 12 staff will welcome the first customers next week, with opening weekend activities also planned, such as goody bags, stilt walkers, and customer games, marking an engaging start to Jollyes' operations in Lancashire.