BLACKBURN could soon have links to pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, after plans for a new store were announced.

QS Discount, which owns stores in Atherton, Chorley and Sale, is to open the new outlet at Unit 4, Lower Audley Street on the Peel Centre, near Mothercare.

And Simon Yates, managing director of QS, is bidding for Michael Jackson's home after the singer was forced to close down the ranch.

Mr Yates claimed that if he was successful in the bid he would rename the facility the QS Neverland Discount Outlet.

The new Blackburn store will be the second time QS has run a shop in the town.

An outlet in Cherry Tree closed four years ago, after a decade, when the site was earmarked for redevelopment.

The firm has been looking for a site in Blackburn ever since.

Now the new store will open in October, on the former site of a JJB sports outlet, and could create 50 new jobs.

The move is part of an expansion programme that will see a store also opened in Warrington.

Mr Yates said: "It's great to be back in Blackburn and we're delighted to report that our ambitious plans for growth continue on track.

"The stores in Blackburn and Warrington represent an important part of the QS Discount expansion strategy. We have always aimed to be one of the largest discount retailers in the North West - and with the opening of these two new stores we have now achieved that goal."

Earlier this year, QS Discount confirmed record sales of more than £6million in 2005.

Michael Jackson has reportedly faced financial problems since a trial for child abuse, and is still being sued by a finance company which claims he owes them £26million.

When Mr Yates announced he was to bid for Michael Jackson's famous ranch, he became one of a number of groups which had reportedly bid for the site.

Recently it was claimed the Church of Scientology, which includes Tom Cruise among its members, had also bid.

A spokesman for Mr Yates said he was still in negotiations over the ranch.

Mr Yates added: "These are exciting times for QS Discount.

"But with so many discount retailers enjoying successful trading at the moment - it's important we push on and stake our claim for maximum market share."