MORE than 1,000 applications have been received for just 25 jobs at a new town centre dessert parlour.

Heavenly Desserts will open inside the iconic former Beales department store in Deansgate later this month.

Among the jobs that have been created at the store are manager, assistant manager, shift supervisor, and front and back of house team member roles.

New stores openings manager Jacob Verity said: “We were both overwhelmed and delighted by the number of enquiries we received.

“Since we opened in 2008 we have put in place a highly-professional staff training scheme and this is recognized throughout the industry.

“Many of our new colleagues in Bolton will learn great skills which will stand them in good stead for the future.

“Refurbishment work on the Bolton branch continues apace and we are well on schedule to open before the end of August.”

Once open, the dessert parlour will have seating for 72 people.

It is also claiming to be the first dessert parlour in the town to provide a full gluten-free and vegan menu, with a range of waffles, brownies and cakes creations, custards and sundaes.

According to the company, many of its mouth-watering desserts, such as the “Sinful But Oh So Heavenly” waffle are suitable for both gluten-free and vegan customers.

Some, like “The Brownie Explosion” are available in one variety or the other.

The chain currently has more than 20 parlours across the UK, and the Bolton store opening is part of its expansion plans.

Heavenly Desserts will be open seven days a week, from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The group was formed in 2008 and has recently opened parlours in Sheffield, Wolverhampton and Cardiff, with another parlour planned for Peterborough, as well as Bolton.

Beales, formerly known as Whitakers, closed on New Year’s Eve two years ago and has been vacant ever since.