Dozens of hungry Islanders made sure they were in the queue as the first business at the £30m Neats Court retail park opened its doors.

KFC launched at the Queenborough site at 11am on Tuesday, and customers wasted no time checking it out.

Within the first hour, the car park welcomed about 50 cars – many of which used the drive-thru.

The fast food chain has created 55 jobs and is being run as a franchise by Scotco Restaurants Ltd.

Scotco managing director Andy Purnell said about the opening: “It’s been lovely. We are obviously really pleased to be here on the Island and to have created more than 50 new jobs.

“It’s going to be really great here [when everything else launches in a few weeks].”

Meanwhile, the manager at the nearby Morrisons has assured readers a small fire there last week will not affect its opening next month.

Sheppey firefighters were called to the store at midday on Thursday and were there for an hour and a half.

The blaze was found in a first-floor stairwell and was caused by an electrical fault.

Manager Steve Lennox said: “We’d like to thank the local fire service for their prompt response in dealing with the situation.

“There was no damage to the store or anyone in it and we’re still on track to welcome customers to our store opening during September.”