KFC has made a u-turn on its decision to ditch a contract with an Oldham-based supplier after a chicken shortage.

Royton-based Bidvest Logistics has signed a long-term agreement with the fast food chain to supply up to 350 of their restaurants across the North of the UK.

The move comes after KFC decided to switch to DHL in October 2017.

At that time, union bosses warned KFC that ditching the supplier would lead to delivery problems.

Paul Whyte at Bidvest Logistics said: "We are delighted to welcome KFC back to Bidvest Logistics.

"As the UK’s leading foodservice logistics specialist we understand the complexities of delivering fresh chicken.

"KFC is a valued customer and we will provide them with a seamless return to our network."

The foodservice company will return to supplying KFC restaurants from March 26, 2018.

More than 260 jobs were axed at Bidvest, whose headquarters are at Salmon Fields in Royton, when the firm lost the KFC contract.

It is understood that DHL will continue to supply to the remainder of its branches.

Last month, the fast food chain was forced to close up to 80 per cent of its 870 branches after it changed suppliers.

A spokesman from KFC said: “Our focus remains on ensuring our customers can enjoy our chicken without further disruption. With that in mind, the decision has been taken in conjunction with QSL and DHL to revert the distribution contract for up to 350 of our restaurants in the north of the UK back to Bidvest Logistics.

"We’ve been working hard to resolve the present situation with QSL and DHL. This decision will ease pressure at DHL’s Rugby depot, to help get our restaurants back to normal as quickly as possible.

"As it stands, more than 97 per cent of our 900 restaurants are now open for business, although there will be some limited menus before we are back to business as usual."