OOMPA Loompas handed out leaflets as a new sweet shop opened in Blackburn town centre.

Lisa Grieg, 45, joined husband Steven, and her two seven-year-old twin boys Thomas and Kendall – who were dressed as the loveable chracters from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – in generating interest in their new business venture, Sweets n Treats.

Based in Fleming Square, the shop sells traditional and modern sweets and sweet gifts, including sweet trees, sweet cakes, candy cones, chocolate bouquets and novelty gifts.

For the pair, the opening of their own shop seemed a natural progression.

Lisa explained: “Steven used to have a market stall a few years ago, selling sweets and toys.

“It went quite well but, due to family and other commitments, he gave up.

“I started making home-made chocolate lollies for my children, and then it turned to sweet trees, which I first made them for my twins’ birthday party more than a year ago.

“Since then friends and family have asked me to make them, so it’s gone on from there.”

The twins’ outfits, and the lure of a free sweet tree, drew the crowds.

“Quite a lot of people were taking pictures and we had a raffle,” Lisa said.

“It’s about letting people know where we are.”

And while Lisa and Steven are confident about their new business venture, Lisa said they would seek the advice of Enterprise Lancashire, an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting businesses throughout Lancashire.

“We have never had a shop before, so we are looking for a bit of advice,” she added.