A NEW McDonalds restaurant has opened just off the East Lancs in Knowsley.

The venue at Copper Pot, Coopers Lane Service Station officially opened this week following  investment from local franchisee Mark Blundell.

The restaurant will be open for dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru and click & serve.

It will create around 80 new full and part-time jobs. 

Opening hours will be 5am-11pm, seven days a week with plans to be open 24 hours in the future.

Gareth Hudson, director of development at McDonald’s UK & Ireland was in attendance at the opening to present a cheque of £25,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK (RMHC UK).

The charity is McDonald’s key charity partner, which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation and support for families with a sick child in hospital.

Gareth, his team, and their suppliers have been fundraising throughout December to support the Charity this Christmas.

St Helens Star: Gareth Hudson, director of development at McDonald’s UK & Ireland was in attendance at the opening to present a cheque of £25,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK Gareth Hudson, director of development at McDonald’s UK & Ireland was in attendance at the opening to present a cheque of £25,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK (Image: McDonalds)

The development team will also be supporting the Charity’s £11.2million refurbishment of Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey which helps families of patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

RMHC UK recently launched a £2 million fundraising appeal for this project.

Mark Blundell, McDonald’s franchisee who owns and operates22 restaurants in the North West of England, said: “We look forward to welcoming new employees with the jobs our restaurant will create.

"We’re committed to investing in opportunities for a mix of all ages, life stages and backgrounds, promoting flexibility and equality”.

Mr Hudson added: “Our new Copper Pot restaurant integrates the latest technology and design that will help provide a better experience for both our restaurant crew and our customers, no matter how they choose to order.

"It’s brilliant to see the restaurant up and running and today’s opening has been particularly special for myself and the team, as we presented our donation cheque to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK just in time for Christmas.”