THE PEOPLE of St Helens are eagerly anticipating the opening of a popular doughnut franchise this week.

Planet Doughnut, a handcrafted desserts and drink franchise, will open in Linkway West Retail Park on Friday, August 12, at the site of the former Frankie & Benny's restaurant.

It is the business' third franchise to open this year, with the launch of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Planet Doughnut causing queues for hours back in June.

READ > Popular doughnut shop to open in St Helens after 'queues for hours' at previous launch

St Helens Star: A selection of doughnuts on offer at Planet DoughnutA selection of doughnuts on offer at Planet Doughnut

Launched by husband and wife Duncan and Samantha McGregor in 2017, the business started out as a homemade "micro-bakery" that crafted homemade desserts and drinks out of their kitchen in Shrewsbury.

Growing their brand on social media as well as in farmer's markets and pop-ups, the St Helens store will become the ninth Planet Doughnut franchise, with another three on the way this year.

With the owners of the franchise "delighted to be expanding into St Helens", residents have also shared their views on the incoming eatery, which will offer classic, flavoured, and vegan ranges of doughnuts.

St Helens Star: Planet Doughnut will open on Linkway West Retail Park on Friday, August 12Planet Doughnut will open on Linkway West Retail Park on Friday, August 12

What Star readers have said:

Carla Grant commented: "Can’t wait, had them from the Warrington one a few times, best thing is they have a vegan selection so my daughter can have one.

"Ten times better than Krispy kreme and cheaper."

Victoria Bailey wrote: "Can't wait! Feels like ages we've been waiting  no more drives to Warrington for doughnuts.

Nick Roberts said: "Had these in Shrewsbury, sensational."

Jake Vaughan commented: "So excited for this!."

St Helens Star: A Terry's Chocolate Orange doughnut at Planet DoughnutA Terry's Chocolate Orange doughnut at Planet Doughnut

Ian Allen wrote: "Fantastic news. Yet another business willing to invest in our town. And a once closed premises reopening as a new venture is a welcome positive.

An online reader commented: "Good luck in your venture, hope it is a great success for you. The produce looks lovely."

Many more readers shared the news of Planet Doughnut's opening with their friends, saying they "have to go".

Let's hope the doughnuts are as nice as they look!