A BUSINESSMAN has been 'overwhelmed' by the interest shown since he announced plans to bring 200 jobs to Blackburn.

Saeed Khilji is in talks with Blackburn with Darwen Council about finding a location for his Figure8Fashion factory in what has been dubbed a major boost to the town’s textile industry.

This week the firm's director met with students at Burnley College and Blackburn College to discuss the industry and training opportunities.

He said: “We have had lots of interest from people of all different backgrounds about different work.

“We are hoping we can work with the colleges on training as they have fashion academies.

“As soon as a location is found we are ready to go.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response.

“The first day the news broke we had more than 75 calls about it. People are really excited about it.

“It is not only people that want to work for us. It’s people that sell office furniture as well as colleges and job centres.

“The community is really supporting us.

“I am excited about it coming together and getting started.”

Mr Khilji, who is based in Leicester, said he will invest hundreds of thousands of pounds getting the project off the ground.

He said he was attracted to the town because of its rich textile history and skilled workforce.

Feroz Sidat, industry links advisor at Blackburn College said: “The college was delighted to welcome Saeed and show him the work that our textiles and fashion apprentices and students are doing and the subjects they are studying.

“Through his visit Saeed was able to enhance his knowledge of our local community and what it has to offer in terms of his business.

“The students involved also benefited from his visit.

“Saeed was able to give some practical advice and encouragement to the students and spoke about the opportunities available in the sector.

“My view is that students need access to quality experiences like this in order to prepare them for the opportunities, experiences and challenges that the future world of work has to offer.

“Businesses like Figure8Fashion, in conjunction with providers like Blackburn College, are the key to unlocking the potential that is present in every young person currently making their way through the education system.”