McDonald's is to create over 60 new jobs as part of a £3m investment that will see it revamp nine of its restaurants in Northern Ireland.

The redesign plans, which will run until the end of the year, will see the fast food giant remodel its outlets in Omagh; Newtownabbey; Glengormley; Enniskillen; Portadown; Cookstown; Connswater; Dundonald and Strand Road in Londonderry

The burger chain said the investment is to be made after its local business gained market share in 2009.

It will build on the £1.5m that has been invested into McDonald's Northern Ireland restaurants in the last few years by the businessmen who own and operate the restaurants, the company said.

Making the announcement from the McDonald's stand at the Balmoral Show, Chief Financial Officer Brian Mullens, said: "We're delighted to continue our extensive reimaging programme in Northern Ireland and bring an extra boost to the local economy.

"Changes at our restaurants are well received by our customers so we will continue to bring a more modern and convenient eating-out experience to them."

Mr Mullens also noted that McDonald's last year invested £11.5m in the local beef industry and that all the cheese it uses in the UK and Europe is sourced from Northern Ireland.

He added: "At McDonald's we also believe in investing in people and are pleased to provide job opportunities in Northern Ireland.

"Many of the jobs we create are filled by young people, but we aren't just providing jobs; we're providing great career opportunities through our training programmes - 75% of our restaurant managers in Northern Ireland started off as hourly-paid crew and we're proud to help young people get a decent foot on the career ladder."

(BMcC/GK)