AN award-winning frozen yoghurt brand has opened a new branch in Blackburn, creating 10 jobs.

Frurt already has three stores in the North West, two in Manchester and one in Bolton. The fourth Frurt store has opened on Shear Brow, opposite the Clove Restaurant and St Mary’s College.

The Blackburn site mimics the Prestwich and Bolton branches in offering an American-style self-serve set-up. Customers choose their preferred frozen yoghurt flavours and then as many toppings as they want. As well as hot drinks and milk shakes, the menu also features Belgium waffles.

Frurt, an independent and family-run company, was founded in 2010 by Syed and Shaza Ul Hassan and now has plans to expand into Preston. The couple were honoured with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the 2012 Fusion awards.

They are currently set to secure a flagship store in Manchester city centre, aiming to duplicate their success in South Manchester.

The company has won numerous awards and was the first company in the UK to introduce a non-dairy soft serve.

A spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to have our first franchise in Blackburn. We believe it will thrive and be a success.

“There are a lot of respected brands and independents doing really well in Blackburn and we’re confident, that we can provide them with a niche offering," they added.

“With unemployment on the rise our franchisee, who is from Blackburn, has provided 10 job opportunities within her local community”.

The new Frurt store is open seven days a week and is presently following strict guidelines, on a takeaway, collection and delivery basis and minimal seating.

Store opening times may change from the times listed due to current curfews.