Fast food giant McDonald's has given its clearest indication yet that it is actively looking to open a restaurant in Dereham.

There have been rumours in the past that the company was looking at sites in the town but bosses always denied any interest. But today a spokesman issued a statement suggesting a new restaurant could be on the cards.

He said: 'We are always looking for new sites and can confirm that Dereham is an area where we would like to invest, open a new restaurant and create new jobs. We are looking at several potential opportunities in the area.'

Breckland Council said they had yet to be approached.

McDonald's already has restaurants either side of Dereham, on the A47 at Swaffham and at Longwater Retail Park, Costessey.