ONE of the big boys of the takeaway world, KFC and I have a strained relationship.

No matter which outlet I have visited over the years — and not just in this area — I always seem to come away with either part of my order missing or something completely different than I’d asked for in my little bag.

So it was with some trepidation that I went in search of an original recipe meal for the better half as a Saturday night treat.

The Blackburn outlet, close to the hospital, has had a bit of a facelift but it still looks a little dowdy.

Not trusting the drive-through — I’m a bit of a Luddite when it comes to ordering — I was pleasantly surprised to find only a small queue and I was served within a couple of minutes.

I think you need to be a regular to get the most out of KFC.

There are so many offers and combinations — the cynic in me thinks done to make you spend more than you intended — that it can be confusing.

But I placed my order for two pieces of chicken, regular chips and gravy for the better half and a large fries, chicken burger and large beans for me (the beans are the one thing I really like at KFC).

After a wait, my bag was packed and I was on my way having spent just over a tenner.

Back at the ranch I pulled out the various boxes, bags and pots and — guess what?

No regular fries. It’s nice to know that you can rely on KFC to maintain its standards.