A unique shop offering punters discounted chocolates, crisps and sweets is closing its doors after eight years in the centre of Blackburn.

Muhammad Hussain, who has run Smart Chocolate, next to Morrisons in the town centre, since 2014, announced at the weekend that he is pulling the shutters on his business for the very last time.

Lancashire Telegraph: Mr Hussain with some customersMr Hussain with some customers (Image: Social media)

Mr Hussain said the shop brought the white and Asian communities of the town together, and since his humble beginnings selling confectionary at markets in Accrington and Todmorden, he managed to create something "special that cannot be found anywhere else in Blackburn".

He said: “It was an amazing shop, the most unique of all the shops that we had in Blackburn. It brought the white and Asian communities together where culture was exchanged.

“We provided service and price point that made others envious of our service.

“With my departure the exclusivity and the coming together of different races comes to an end.

“One just has to read the comments on my Facebook page to see the sadness and great loss.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Mr Hussain and one of his customers in his Blackburn shopMr Hussain and one of his customers in his Blackburn shop (Image: Social media)

Mr Hussain said the end of his chocolate-selling era comes at a time of declining footfall, Morrisons relocating, and society no longer having enough disposable cash.

He added: “I don’t blame the council and I don’t blame the town. It is what it is, it’s a tragedy.

“I have been there since 2014, and I’ll miss the two Gs we did - Giggles and Giveaway.”

Hundreds of people took to social media after Mr Hussain made the official announcement on Saturday, all expressing their sorrow at Smart Chocolate’s closure.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Hussain wrote: “From our early period of market days from Accrington, Todmorden and finally Blackburn we have met some wonderful customers along the way. We thank you so much for the years of support and friendship.

“We had a very special shop that cannot be found anywhere in Blackburn, it brought two communities together where kind words could be exchanged.

“For that I, my family and my good friend Sabir Patel take credit for creating an amazing shop with so many happiness and giggles.

“To all our regulars I am forever grateful for your regular visits. Thank you so much.

“I will leave you with one very important message. Please support your local traders. Without your support they’ll disappear.

“Thank you so much for everything and I’m sorry where I failed.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Mr Hussain and another traderMr Hussain and another trader (Image: Social media)

One Facebook user commented: “We will miss you a lot Mo. You definitely was an amazing part of our lives. Blackburn won't be same without you. You were the best thing in whole town. Best of luck for your next destination. Lots of prayers and love for you. Stay the way you are. You make everyone smile and happy.”

While another said: “You have never failed Mo. You are a lovely, kind man and you'll be missed. We've thoroughly enjoyed our trips to the shop and lately the online deliveries. Lots of love, luck and happiness, wherever you venture next.”

And one person said: “Good luck in the future Mo and in no way have you failed. It was a fantastic vision you had and you brought it to the people of Blackburn and beyond and we will always be thankful to you for that. Keep us updated of any future projects. Gonna miss you buddy.”