Sandwich chain Subway is to create 6,000 jobs over the next three years.

The franchise will open 600 new branches in the UK and Ireland by 2015, its president and co-founder Fred DeLuca said.

Subway has expanded rapidly in the past seven years, increasing the number of stores in the UK by 500 per cent to 1,423. There are currently 99 in Ireland, with the latest period of expansion taking the combined number of outlets to more than 2,000.

"We are particularly proud of the fact that over the years the Subway brand has been able to provide entrepreneurs with business opportunities where they can open and operate their own small business and provide great food, exceptional customer service and job opportunities in their communities," said Mr DeLuca.

The company, which was was founded in 1965 and has branches in 98 countries, has also agreed to display calorie information on all its menu boards.

PA