A UK fast food chain famous for its foot-long sandwiches has announced big plans for growth and expansion across Dorset – including stores in Weymouth and on Portland.

The chain has plans to open new sites in Weymouth, Babylon Hill near Sherborne, Gillingham, Ferndown, Verwood, Poole and Bournemouth and Wimborne with each outlet typically creating between 10 to 12 jobs.

Meanwhile, new sites in Sherborne, Bournemouth, Wimborne and on Portland which are due to open this year will feature a new modern store format called ‘Fresh Decor’ featuring digital menu boards and charging ports.

The company, whose branches are operated by local franchisees, has stores across Dorset, Cornwall and Devon and already supports more than 1,000 jobs.

Kevin Graham, Subway’s regional development agent for the south west, said: “We have exciting plans to grow the Subway brand across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall this year.

“To succeed, we need the right people, with the right blend of team work, leadership and work ethic to become new franchisees and help us to deliver our ambitious growth target.

“Location is also key - we’re constantly seeking new opportunities in new locations across the region, from high streets to retail parks, and non-traditional locations, such as petrol forecourts and convenience stores.”

Regionally, the chain will look to open 122 stores across the south west by 2022 creating 270 jobs for the region while this year the chain plans to grow its portfolio of stores from 83 to 95.

Sacha Clark, marketing 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.

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

Subway was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca who set out to fulfil his dream of becoming a medical doctor.

With the help of his friend, Peter Buck, they opened their first shop was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August 1965.

By 1974, he owned and operated 16 submarine sandwich shops throughout the state and soon realised that they could not open every store themselves.

So they began franchising, and today Subway has about 44,400 stores around the world - more than McDonald’s.