A GRADUATE who became managing director of McDonalds in two countries and chief operating officer of the UK chain has taken over the franchise of York's four restaurants.

McDonalds restaurants in Blake Street, Clifton Moor, Monks Cross and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, which were all previously owned by the company, are now under the ownership of franchisee John Artherton.

Mr Atherton, who has signed a 20-year contract for the business, says he is looking to increase staff numbers across the four restaurants from 310 to 400.

Although new to the role of franchisee, Mr Atherton has worked with McDonalds for 31 years, holding a variety of international senior management positions.

Starting as a trainee manager in Birmingham, Mr Atherton rose through the ranks to become area manager, then regional manager, before moving to the company's head office in London to take on the role of marketing director.

After a brief spell in Yorkshire as regional manager, Mr Atherton returned to London as chief operating officer for McDonalds.

Fours years later he was appointed managing director of Ireland, and from there moved to be managing director of McDonalds in Sweden, eventaully becomming vice president in the Nordicks.

Mr Atherton, who will be running the York franchise with his wife Ann, said: "I decided I wanted to spend a bit more time in Yorkshire. I live near Boroughbridge, my family are round here, and I'm going to be a grandad, so I'm grateful the company allowed me to be a franchisee where I live.

"I'm looking forward to settling down and seeing the other side of the business, and I'm excited about getting involved in the local community.

"This is the first time this group has been franchised. McDonalds has got a face in the local community that it didn't have before.

"I'm committed to York and the people in York. I have got a real vested interest in putting roots down here, contributing to the community in York and making sure that McDonalds has a good name in York."

Mr Atherton paid tribute to the staff at the four restaurants, describing them as "fantastic crew" with a great energy among them.

Mr Atherton has taken over the franchise as work nears an end at the Clifton Moor restaurant, which is due to re-open on March 24 after undergoing a refurbishment, whcih includes the installation of a new, first of its kind, drive through.

Work will also soon be starting on the site in Monks Cross, which last week received planning permission for alterations including a drive through.