Sandwich chain Subway has unveiled plans to open 600 new stores in the UK and Ireland, creating more than 7,000 jobs.

Sandwich chain Subway has unveiled plans to open 600 new stores in the UK and Ireland, creating more than 7,000 jobs.

The US company said it would invest more than £60 million in opening the new franchises by the end of 2010.

The chain already has more than 1,400 UK and Irish stores, employing more than 16,000 people.

It has grown rapidly from just 25 stores in 2000, with its expansion continuing at an average five store openings in the UK and Ireland each week, the company said.

The jobs will be a mix of full and part-time positions.

Subway development agent Neil Black said that in the past month, 22 new stores opened in the UK and Ireland, creating 264 jobs and involving investment of more than £2 million.

"We are delighted with the success we've achieved and that we are going to be able to provide a further 7,000 jobs," he said.

"The Subway chain has already brought significant investment and job creation to the UK and Ireland, creating over 16,000 jobs to date."

Subway, which makes its sandwiches in front of customers, began life as a Connecticut sandwich shop in 1965 and has since grown to 30,000 stores around the world. Its co-founder, Fred DeLuca, is president of the privately held company.