A BURRITO restaurant has opened in a town centre today after a successful spell on a market stall.

Knuzden's David Wilcock said he was 'excited' after opening the new restaurant in Northgate, Blackburn.

It has seen him reinvent his Blackburn Market 'Hugo Burrito' stall and the new venue will be called 'Hugo's.

Mr Wilcock said the opening of the restaurant was 'very much a local project'.

He said: "It's a huge relief that the work has been finished.

"I am nervously excited at the same time.

"This is very much a local project involving local businesses in the area."

"Darwen business Blue Insignia worked on the refit for the shop, while Premier Kitchen Fabrications from Rishton and Parkinson's Signs in Blackburn also helped prepare the restaurant, and the artwork has been done by Media Village in Hapton."

The venue will employ six new members staff, taking the total to 11.

The restaurant will be open from breakfast until late and will run a takeaway and evening service.

Hugo Burrito opened a year ago but after success in the market Mr Wilcock has expanded to open at the former Mercer's store opposite David Pluck bookmakers.

Almost £100,000 has been spent altogether in getting the restaurant open.

It will have 25 seats and a license to serve alcohol in an evening, and will specialise in margaritas, daiquiris, tequila and rum.

It will sell largely the same products as the market stall, such as nachos, hot dogs and burrito boxes, with the addition of items such as loaded fries.

On an evening, Mr Wilcock said he is looking to launch a 'tapas menu' offering a selection of Mexican dishes.

The store will continue to source its ingredients locally.

Mr Wilcock is the fifth generation of his family to work in Blackburn Market, with their history with the shopping outlet dating back to the 1800s.

He added: "We want this to be a cool place for people to hang out to grab some quick food and a drink.

"It's just great to be open and hopefully we can offer something different to Blackburn."

The store will be open from 8am until 10pm Monday to Thursday and until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.