HORDES of Big Mac munching Woolwich burger lovers have signed a supersize petition showing their support for a planned new McDonald's.

The American burger behemoth has found 1,123 fast food fans willing to put down their chicken nuggets and add their signatures to demand a new outlet in Woolwich Church Street.

We're used to seeing campaigns against the idea of new chain store but it seems milkshake-swigging south east Londoners are lovin' it. So far, the number of people signed up greatly outnumbers the 51 others who have written in and objected to the chain's application.

The plans, submitted to Greenwich Council back in January would see a new 454sqm freestanding restaurant with drive thru facilities at the junction with Ruston Road.

Woolwich has been a trailblazer for the franchise, with Powis Street being the first UK's first ever branch, opening in 1974. Back then, a Big Mac cost just 18p and the future impact of fast food on the nation's waistline was unknown.

Taimoor Sheikh is the franchisee of two McDonald’s in the area including Powis Street branch, where the petition was started.

He said: "I’m delighted that the proposed restaurant on Church Street has received so much support from local people. McDonald’s has a long-standing relationship with Woolwich and I am sure this will continue if the new restaurant is approved.

"The restaurant would bring around 75 new jobs to Woolwich and all of the staff would have access to our qualifications and training programmes such as our apprenticeship programme as well as a range of maths, English and business qualifications."

No date has yet been set for a decision on the application.