YORK is to get a fifth McDonald's as the fast food chain reveals plans for a new restaurant at Monks Cross with the creation of 80 jobs.

The new restaurant will be in addition to the existing McDonald's at the retail park and is due to open in September.

As well as Monks Cross, the brand also has branches in Blake Street, Clifton Moor and the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, all of which are owned by franchisee John Atherton.

The second Monks Cross McDonald's is a new build project in Monks Cross Drive, near the Pear Tree Farm pub, and will feature a drive-through as well as an 85-seater restaurant.

Mr Atherton, who took over the franchise in March this year, said: "I’m very excited to be opening a new restaurant in York and bringing with this additional employment opportunities for the area.

"I understand the importance of investing in the community, and it’s great to be able to bring an extra boost to the York economy.

"Monks Cross is a growing area with a lot of development going on.

"Our existing store is quite tight so we couldn't expand it, and we knew there is the capability and certainly the demand for a bigger restaurant and drive through.

“I firmly believe in investing in people and I am delighted to be able to create new jobs as a result of this new restaurant.

"With excellent training programmes, including the apprenticeship scheme, and career opportunities on offer to all of my McDonald’s employees, I hope the roles will appeal to a broad spectrum of people across the local area."

Recruitment is already underway for the 80 jobs, made up of part time and full time roles, with those employed given access to training for nationally recognised qualifications ranging from the McDonald’s Apprenticeship programme to a Foundation degree in Managing Business Operations.

Ten of the new recruits will be enrolled onto the McDonald’s Apprenticeship programme when they join, bringing the total number of McDonald’s apprentices to 30 across the four restaurants in York.

McDonald’s, which now employs 360 people in the city, opened its first restaurant in York in September 1986 in Blake Street, and according to research by the brand, now contributes £6.6 million pounds a year to the York economy.

The new Monks Cross McDonald’s will feature self-service kiosks, digital menu boards and tablet computers for customer to use while they dine.