McDonald’s is set to open 200 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland to create more than 24,000 jobs.

As part of a £1bn investment over the next four years, the fast food giant said it has renewed its commitment to supporting town centres to “continue to evolve and respond to a variety of challenges”.

McDonald’s, celebrating its 50th year in the UK this year, has laid out plans to upgrade its existing 1,500 restaurants across the Britain and Ireland.

The projected new openings include a range of new drive-thru outlets and the creation of 24,000 jobs.

In a new report, the company said it had contributed £94.45bn to the UK economy either directly or via its suppliers over the last half century.

Alistair Macrow, CEO of McDonald’s UK&I, said: “We have become an important part of communities across the UK, and I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth, and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years.

“It’s a moment to celebrate, and also to look ahead to what’s next.

“Whether that’s continuing to provide the best value for our customers, investing in our restaurants, supporting our suppliers across the UK or launching new initiatives for young people where our communities need them most.

“We’re proud of what we have delivered in the last 50 years and are committed to investing in new opportunities and supporting growth across the UK.”