Traffic is reported to be 'bumper to bumper' in Cookstown with the opening of the new drive-thru of Canadian multinational coffee chain Tim Hortons.

The new outlet is at Killymoon Street at the south end of the town, and police say the Sweep Road and the A29 in from the roundabout are very busy.

"The area is likely to be busy over the next few days with people trying it for the first time, as well as the usual Christmas shopping traffic," police said in a social media post.

"Keep it in mind when you're travelling through the town and remember Sandholes Road, Drum Road, Westland Road is there as an alternative route."

PSNI picture of the traffic build up on Sweep Road, Cookstown.

placeholder image — PSNI picture of the traffic build up on Sweep Road, Cookstown.

Tim Hortons is creating around 40 jobs at the location which was formerly occupied by a KFC outlet.

To mark the opening, the company gave away two free medium coffees for a whole year to the first customer to enter the drive-thru at noon today- worth £3,100.

The first 100 drive-thru customers also received a free meal of a main lunch item with a pot of potato wedges, dipping sauce and a hot or cold drink.

Chief commercial officer of Tim Hortons, Karl Hyde said: “The response from the local community has been incredible and we are so pleased to finally be opening the doors and sharing our delicious food and drink with everyone.

Tim Hortons are planning to open a number of drive-thrus in Northern Ireland.

"“We think the giveaways will go down very well at this time of year too.”

The company was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a top professional ice hockey player, who wanted to create a space where everyone would feel at home.

The first outlet in the UK opened its doors in Glasgow in 1917, and the brand has been ‘rolling out’ since with plans to open other restaurants in towns across Northern Ireland in the near future.

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