A UK fast food chain famous for its foot long sandwiches has announced big plans for growth and expansion across Hampshire which could create hundreds of new jobs.

Subway has revealed store expansion plans for its portfolio of stores in Hampshire creating up to 300 new jobs in the process.

The chain has plans to open new sites in Southampton, Eastleigh, Andover and Basingstoke and while it is actively looking for sites in Fareham, Lymington, Chandler’s Ford and Romsey with each outlet typically creating between 10 to 12 jobs.

However when asked by the Daily Echo for further detail, they did not comment.

The company whose branches are operated by local franchisees has stores across Hampshire, East Sussex, West Sussex and Isle of Wight and already support more than 1,000 jobs.

Mark Bradley, Subway’s regional development agent for the south coast said: “We are really excited to work with local entrepreneurs to open new locations throughout the Hampshire region over the next three years creating jobs for local people.

“I am really keen to hear from local people who are looking to fulfill their dreams of owning their own business and becoming their own boss.”

Peter Dowding, country director for the UK and Ireland, has said that the move will strengthen the chain’s position within the UK market as part of the company plans to open 3,000 outlets and create 5,000 jobs by 2020.

He added: “The growth expansion has been continual. What we have achieved over the last few years has been phenomenal for the brand.”

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said: “Subway’s expansion shows their confidence in the UK economy and particularly in the county.

“Additionally this is really good news for jobs in what is already a very buoyant jobs market.”

There are now 2,500 Subway’s in the UK and Ireland.