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

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

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

Subway already boasts more than 1,400 stores across the UK and Ireland - including four in Ipswich - and employs 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.