AN American fast food chain will return to the UK next month after two decades - and is ready to compete with the likes of Burger King and McDonald's.

Wendy's, famous for it's humongous burgers, plans to open close to 400 outlets across Britain - creating at least 12,000 jobs in the process.

The firm, which has also agreed a delivery deal with Uber Eats, left the UK at the turn of the millenium after complaining of high operating costs.

Although the company is keeping quiet about exact locations bosses say they hope to have more than 400 restaurants in the UK - which almost certainly means a Wendy's in Bradford at some point.

Abigail Pringle, Wendy's chief development officer, said in media interviews over the weekend that with the UK burger and takeaway market growing, that the time was right for a return.

A typical restaurant employs around 40 staff, the company said. Wendy's has also promised no zero-hours contracts for any future staff.

The first Wendy's will open next month in Reading, followed by Stratford and Oxford, and the company said there will be new items on the menu tailored to the British market.

The chain was founded in 1969 in Ohio and now has 6,800 outlets.