KFC is aiming to open dozens of new outlets in Essex by the end of 2020.

It is understood the chain is offering incentives to people who find a new site in their target areas.

Among the target areas is Hadleigh, Colchester, Chelmsford and Brentwood.

A spokesman for the company said: "We have bold ambitions to have over 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland by 2020.

"We are looking to build over 50 new stores a year."

The full list of KFC's target areas is:

  • A13 Stanford-le-Hope
  • A132/130 South Woodham Ferrers
  • Basildon Town Centre
  • Basildon West
  • Billericay
  • Brentwood
  • Chelmsford East
  • Chelmsford Town Centre
  • Colchester East 
  • Colchester West
  • Hadleigh
  • Harwich
  • Maldon
  • Stansted Airport
  • Tilbury
  • Witham

KFC was first introduced to the UK in 1965 with its first branch in Preston, but today it operates hundreds of outlets in the country.

There are several branches in Essex.