THE newly-expanded MacDonalds restaurant in Chippenham has become the largest in the county outside Swindon.

Although workmen are in the final stages of finishing the £250,000 extension, customers have been able to take advantage of the extra space.

The seating capacity has risen from 55 to 90, there are eight new benches in the picnic area, a bigger staff room and a new manager's office. A children's party room is also expected to be open in November.

Manager Dave Williamson said: "There really are only a few bits and pieces to complete but the public are already taking advantage of the extra space and so far we have had a good response to the work that has been done. We have a bigger seating area with lots of space, and we will hopefully be able to run the children's parties from November."

Recruiters will be at the Chippenham Job Fair in the Neeld Hall on October 1 in a bid to find at least another 20 full and part-time staff.

There are currently 60 people employed at the restaurant in a full and part-time capacity.

Mr Williamson said: "I think we have achieved what we set out to do. I don't think there is any room to expand any further but we may try to extend the parking."