Fried chicken fans queue from 2am as Popeyes opens in Oldham

Chicken lovers in Oldham queued from 2am to be among the first through the doors when Popeyes opened its new restaurant at Elk Mill retail park. The Louisiana fried chicken chain, which has been expanding rapidly across Greater Manchester, offered free chicken sandwiches for a year to the first four customers, creating a buzz that drew crowds throughout the morning.

Gym manager Ross Gallagher from Shaw was first in the parking bays at 2am, determined to win the top prize. 'Everyone was telling me I'm nuts for doing it,' he said. I'll take every single opportunity to get it.' The 19-year-old winner Gabrielle from Derker arrived at 6.30am, already a fan of Popeyes' fries and music.

The new restaurant, which took over the former Pizza Hut site, has been given a colourful makeover with orange and turquoise fittings. CEO Tom Crowley said the company had been searching for a location in the borough for some time. 'The North West is brilliant for us,' he said, noting Popeyes now has 4,500 restaurants across 37 countries.

Popeyes Oldham is open from 8am to 11pm daily, joining recent openings in Bolton and with another planned for Piccadilly station. For chicken fans like Ross Gallagher, who estimated the free sandwiches would save him around £15 a week, the opening represents more than just a new fast-food option-it's a chance to indulge in a favourite treat while saving money.