McDonald’s is to open more than 200 restaurants across the UK and Ireland over the next four years in a plan set to create around 24,000 new jobs.

The fast-food chain is showing its faith in the UK high street with its largest expansion programme for more than 20 years.

The growth plan is driven by a £1 billion investment by the chain and its franchisees.

McDonald’s UK business currently has 1,435 restaurants across the UK, with around four-fifths owned and operated by franchisees.

The hospitality firm, which currently employs more than 170,000 workers, said the expansion will involve a renewed focus on opening high street restaurants.

It said it will test new restaurant formats as part of the rollout, including trials for additional smaller site formats and the recent launch of “drive to” restaurant sites.

The new UK and Ireland openings come after McDonald’s revealed a target of building 10,000 more restaurants globally by 2027.

Alistair Macrow, chief executive officer of McDonald’s UK&I, said: “We have come a long way since we first opened our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago.

“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.”