PLANS for a new Starbucks drive-thru in Melksham have been unveiled by a franchisee for the coffee retailer.

The store will be a franchise operation for the giant American company and not one of its company-owned coffee houses.

The drive-thru is being built in Commerce Way just off the A350 and close to the new Dick Lovett Land Rover and Jaguar car retail showrooms.

A spokesperson for The Magic Brands Corporation, based in Swansea, South Wales, said the drive-thru will create 20 new jobs for the area when it opens in mid-May - many of them for young people aged under 24.

Marketing executive Georgia McCarron said: "We are still in the recruitment process. It's an exciting time to join our company as we are expanding so rapidly; we have ten Starbucks stores across South Wales and two in Swindon.

The drive-thru will open from 6am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 7am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers will be able to order their triple-shot frappuccinos, americanos or skinny caramel lattés by speaking into a microphone.

The drive-thru will also sell a wide range of breakfast options, including its popular bacon butties and all day breakfast butties.

Healthy options will include porridge and scrambled eggs and the drive-thru will also cater for vegetarians and vegans, with special lunch and bakery ranges.

After placing their order, customers simply drive forward to pick up their coffee or snacks from a serving hatch – without ever having to leave the front seat of their car.

The company says the new drive-thru will meet a growing demand for coffee by commuters on the move.

Many people now drive to work without passing a shop and parents enjoy the ability to buy a coffee without having to park their car and take out the children from their car seats.

Starbucks already has three retail coffee houses in Bath, and others located in Trowbridge and at Center Parcs on the Longleat estate.

Georgia added: "As a brand we're really passionate about giving back to our local communities, so expect some exciting stuff when we open.

“We’re always on the lookout to work with local businesses and local charities and build strong relationships with people in our local community.”