A new McDonald's restaurant has been officially opened with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The world-famous burger chain flung open the doors at its newest eatery earlier today at Leisure Way retail park in Lowestoft

The 76-seater restaurant will create around 80 full and part-time jobs franchisee Lee Sparkes has said, and it will be open for dine-in service, takeaway, drive-thru and delivery.

Lowestoft Journal: A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the restaurant to the public earlier todayA ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the restaurant to the public earlier today (Image: McDonald's)

Mr Sparkes, who now owns and operates three McDonald's restaurants in Suffolk, said: "We are delighted to be opening another brand-new McDonald's in Lowestoft and can't wait to see customers enjoy the new features and our services on offer.

READ MORE: 'A well-deserved celebration': Businesses honoured at glittering gala

"People are at the heart of our business, and so we look forward to welcoming 80 new employees from the local area over the coming months."

Lowestoft Journal: The new chain will provide 80 full and part-time jobsThe new chain will provide 80 full and part-time jobs (Image: McDonald's)

The new location is open from 5am to 12pm every day, eventually moving to 24 hours "in the near future".

The restaurant launched under the chain's "Convenience of the Future" programme which aims to create a "more enjoyable experience" by combining an improved layout and new technology.

This means there will be more space for people to eat, less congestion around ordering touchscreens and shorter queues.