THERE is a suggestion made by many people that I am quite partial to the odd pie. Sometimes I will even enjoy two or even three if they are particularly good ones.

Early last year, almost as if to prove that I am a pie fan, I spent a week going through the pie menu at Dale’s in Blackburn Market, for research purposes you understand.

Dale’s pies are properly good - so I decided it was time to give them another few column inches in the way of a review.

As I stood at the counter waiting to be served, one of my colleagues crept up behind me and in his best David Attenborough accent said: “Here he is, in his natural habitat, Matt Donlan is seen perusing the pie stand.” - if that’s my natural habitat then I am happy with that.

So I carried on perusing until I opted for a chicken and ham pie and a Scotch pie, still warm with outstanding, obviously hand made flaky pastry.

I unwrapped them when I got back to my desk and started making strange purring noises with every bite with the chicken and ham particularly excellent and rammed with chunks of both meats and a delightful sauce.

The Scotch pie was of equal standard - and I wolfed them both down in double quick time before any wandering hands could make a grab for them - NEVER get between me and a pie.

I think it’s about time I went and got stocked up for Christmas.

I like pies.